General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Al Franken Would Make a Great President [View all]NewJeffCT
(56,828 posts)tends to win at the presidential level.
1980 - Ronald Reagan was more charismatic than Jimmy Carter, maybe the most charismatic Republican since Teddy Roosevelt? Wins handily against Carter.
1984 - Reagan again was more charismatic than the smart and competent Mondale.
1988 - Neither candidate was charismatic, but Dukakis was an epic stiff and Bush was riding Reagan's coattails.
1992 - Clinton was far more charismatic than Bush, maybe the most charismatic Democrat since JFK.
1996 - Clinton again was far more charismatic than the stiff and stern Bob Dole
2000 - Bush jr had a fake down home charm that led him to victory over the aloof and angry Gore
2004 - Bush Jr again, defeating the smart and competent Kerry
2008 - Obama was far more charismatic than the angry and bland McCain
2012 - Obama again vs the elitist and out of touch Romney
2016 - Trump has that smarmy con-man charisma and barely beat the smart and competent Clinton.