Charisma competes with substance in the 2004 election

As Bush popped out from behind a camouflage curtain for his surprise Thanksgiving visit in Iraq, "whoa's" and "wow's" flowed from the American soldiers in the crowd. But it was not the nature of the surprise visit itself that elicited such a reaction. Rather, Americans reacted to a quality that Bush has developed throughout his term in office: charisma.

Webster's Third New International Dictionary defines charisma as a "supernatural power or virtue attributed especially to a person or office regarded as set apart from the ordinary by reason of a special relationship with the capacity of eliciting enthusiastic popular support in the leadership, symbolic unification, or direction of human affairs." Regardless of my less-than-admiring opinion of George W. Bush pre-presidency, I must concede that these days the guy is showing some charisma.

His assured and direct mode of speech increasingly seems to comfort his audiences — even if afterwards they realize that they disagree completely with his policies. This is, in fact, the litmus test of the true charismatic leader. Charisma is when one disagrees with — or even loathes — the thoughts or actions of a leader, yet still seems to fall under his spell while he is present.

People who have met the current president in person have indeed attested to this occurrence, including several women's lacrosse team members who praised this quality of Bush. According to a recent 'Prince' article about their visit to the White House, Theresa Sherry '04 said, "He's very charismatic. Both times I've gone, I see him and think he's taller in person." Kelly Darling '05 said, "The President is so much cuter in person than he comes off on TV." I contend that Darling confused looks with charisma. Bush's ability to crack a joke with his audience at the beginning of many a speech, and his uniquely confident swagger, make him seem more attractive — regardless of his actual appearance.

Bush's success is indicative of a much larger trend in today's political arena. In an age when video and sound clips dominate the presentation of political speeches to civic viewers, charisma becomes an invaluable and perhaps necessary ingredient for political success.

Ever since John F. Kennedy charmed the American public off its feet during the first televised debates in the 1960s, campaign results have tracked the charisma of the candidates. This was certainly the case with Bush, who was touted for having the very magnetism that the wooden Al Gore completely lacked. But the etymology of the word charisma — it comes from a Greek word for "gift" — suggests something with which one is effortlessly endowed, not something one can actively create.

I will never forget my first encounter with a truly charismatic political leader: President Bill Clinton, who graced the campus with his "supernatural" ways during my freshman fall semester. His charisma was evident not in any of the ideas expressed by his speech, but rather in reactions he elicited during his visit. So great was his magnetic quality, that after his speech, I actually overheard two senior female deans in Nassau Hall verbally battling over who Clinton was making eye contact with during the speech. Everyone who actually met the man in person that day, whether male or female, told me that he was extremely charming, taller than expected, but most importantly, charismatic.

Political charisma has always existed, but it never before had the influence which it possesses in today's political arena, where it can determine an election or a poll, and even a reelection. The example of Thomas Jefferson in the early period of this country is a case in point. As Jeffersonian historians often point out, Jefferson did not have an abundance of charisma — in fact, he is often contrasted with Adams for being the more reserved and cerebral, while Adams was the more vocal and charming. Hence, if political charisma was a necessary element in political success during the foundational era of this nation, Jefferson would certainly not be the political success story he became. Jefferson became a political giant because in his age ideas and words drove political success. Personality was often hidden due to the limited media venues of the time.

Charisma is important, but I also recognize the shortcomings of a political arena where it dictates all the spoils. I hope that the increasing political allure, which I believe our now "seasoned" president exhibits, does not categorically sway the public into a reelection that will result in poor policy decisions. I also hope that in the Democratic primaries those who seem to have charisma, such as Kerry or Edwards, will not overshadow men of even better ideas, like Joe Lieberman, the Jefferson of our day.

Steven Kamara is a politics major from Manhasset Hills, N.Y.