Article questions claim that charisma causes success - says success leads to

[karynnj]

claims of charm or charisma. I really agree with this - although I think it ignores the role the media plays in labeling some people charismatic and others charisma challenged.

In addition, it is far easier to look charismatic and charming when a politicians face is flushed and he/she is smiling and laughing with supports celebrating a win. Some look noble in losing, even to the degree that it makes you prouder than ever to have supported them, but there is none of the euphoria that both the candidates and those supporting them experience winning.

Here is the article - http://blogs.forbes.com/frederickallen/2011/06/16/does-charisma-lead-to-success-or-the-other-way-around/

(As to the Kerry reference, it amazes me more did not see his charm - especially when he was with family or "his" vets. I still think it was weird that Karen Hughes had one of the Bush girls say they had a hamster too, but he died. Almost as if the smirking republicans were proud that their candidate would not even have thought of saving a hamster if it inconvenienced him - not realizing that the real goal was likely to prevent his daughters from the pain of seeing their hamster die.)