What's Better: Energetic or Presidential?

from JoeUser Forums
I don't mean that in a biased fashion. Bush is coming off well because he's energetic and aggressive. Kerry is performing very similarly to how he has in the previous debate. He's less energetic, but he speaks calmly in a measured voice, and he knows his facts.

I've generally assumed one reason poll respondents like Kerry in debates, is that he sounds presidential. I think he's doing that tonight, but Bush's game is on, and I know lots of viewers like that.

So, what do viewers like more? Aggressiveness (in a positive sense) or Statesmanship?
politics
3,258 views 6 replies
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
No, it's not, actually. It 's a post from someone who think this is close, and doesn't know what viewers prefer. I have tended to overestimate Edwards's appeal, and underestimate Kerry's. I eventually concluded that this was because a large number of people gravitate towards Kerry's gravity. Get it? Ha ha.

I think both candidates are doing well. I'm not sure what goes over better with viewers. I'm kind of fishing for opinions from readers.

Hint. Hint.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #4 from PolMach Forums Top
I agree that the President won, however, he has lost his lead because of all the debates.
Reply #5 from PolMach Forums Top
What's Better: Energetic or Presidential?


Well compare George HW Bush to Bill Clinton, which was better Presidential or Energetic?

- Grim X
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
"Well compare George HW Bush to Bill Clinton, which was better Presidential or Energetic?" I don't think you can make that comparison post 9/11. It's so hard to read what will and will not resonate this time around. You have the standard rule that "people will vote for the person they want to see in their living rooms for the next 4 years" compared with the fact that it could very well be that this time around, people want someone who is perceived as the "Statesman" since that person will also be presumed to be better suited to deal with world leaders on foreign policy issues. Trying to figure out what will or will not motivate voters this November is a real crap-shoot. You pick your strategy, take your chances, and wait to see which way the dice fall.