Richard Painter (MN-SEN) campaign ad: "Dumpster Fire"

[NewJeffCT]

14. And, that's why Democrats lose when they should win

Democrats do well with young, smart and charismatic candidates - JFK, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama come to mind.

In 1980, Ronald Reagan was the smooth and optimistic former actor, one of the most charismatic Republicans of the 20th century. Jimmy Carter, while smart and extremely competent, was portrayed as stiff and indecisive. Reagan wins big.

1984, Reagan swamps Walter Mondale, a smart and competent, but low charisma candidate.

1988 featured two low charisma candidates, but Mike Dukakis took blandness to epic levels. Bush wins on Reagan’s coattails.

1992 featured the young and charismatic Bill Clinton against low charisma George HW Bush. Clinton wins handily.

1996 was Clinton again versus stern and serious Bob Dole. Clinton wins handily.

2000 featured “down home” regular guy George W. Bush and out of touch and overly serious elitist Al Gore. Bush ekes out a win.

2004 featured Bush again against smart and competent but bland John Kerry. Bush wins.

2008 was young and charismatic Barack Obama against stern and serious John McCain. Obama wins.

2012 was Obama again versus the elitist and out of touch Mitt Romney. Obama wins.

2016 was Hillary Clinton – very smart and competent, but not the most exciting person. Donald Trump was a train wreck, but he had that smarmy con-man charisma that sucked up all the media attention. Trump ekes out a win.