tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425732352511468694.post2126685260743827241..comments2023-08-20T04:55:39.436-07:00Comments on Ars Psychiatrica: Vox PopuliNovalishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10501890494890617030noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425732352511468694.post-20836431800403647882008-11-02T22:24:00.000-08:002008-11-02T22:24:00.000-08:00Bill Clinton wrote an excellent laundry list (post...Bill Clinton wrote an excellent laundry list (post-presidency) called 'Giving'. I haven't read it but apparently it's inspiring.<BR/><BR/>At least his heart's in the right place...well, physically that is.<BR/><BR/>I think he's charmingly articulate when casually interviewed; but is he poetically resonant in the way that will make him often-quoted like a literary hero? I don't think so.<BR/><BR/>He's just not pithy enough. Nice teeth though. <BR/><BR/>What's more important in a president: exquisite literary ability (with a gift for pithiness); philanthropic spirit; ability to manipulate and delude the masses; an iron fist; or white teeth?<BR/><BR/>I think out of all the qualities a presidential candidate exhibits, none will exert any special influence above the elusive quality that is likeability. It's irrationally and emotionally determined; and a million and one justifications for a vote will be made - all of them explicitly 'rational' (definitely not based on life's bitter experiences, prejudices, etc.)<BR/><BR/>Most people make their decision very early in the game.<BR/><BR/>First impressions--whether wrong/right-- are difficult to subvert/invert once they are made. Inklings about a person's character can be the consequence of an aberrant gesture, mis-spoken word or wrong tie-choice; and they just don't dissipate in the face of reason and logic.<BR/><BR/>Elections are emotional and it'll end in tears.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com