The need for a personality cult in American politics

[EstimatedProphet]

I'm listening in on one end of a phone conversation between the Estimated Prophetess and one of her friends, and she is talking about the personalities of Gore vs. Bush, how Gore came across as stiff, but Bush comes across as a scared deer in the headlights, and I asked her Which one would be better as president, someone stiff or someone who declares illegal wars to make corporate profits and torture people simply for sick fun.
WHY IN HELL DO WE EVEN DISCUSS PERSONALITY!?!?
I don't blame her. I blame the media, for making it the LEADING issue of the day. Not only do the real issues no longer get discussed in the US, they aren't given any time at all anymore!
50 years ago, would people have seriously said "I know he's an idiot, but he will have good advisors"? Anyone suggesting something as stupid as that would have been laughed into humiliation. Yet ion 2000, that was considered a serious argument! Shouldn't the ability to PERFORM the job of President be one of the conditions for choosing one, rather than whether he comes across as a nice guy? Why on earth is that more important?

[NMDemDist2]

1. it's the 24 hour "infotainment" mentality

but it really really stinks doesn't it?

[Political_Junkie]

2. "Cult of Personality"

Reagan's lasting gift to the American people.

[drthais]

3. just when I thought it was safe

to turn the TV back on and catch some 'news'
there was Old Grumpy of CNN interviewing...
an ACTING COACH
to talk about who 'plays the part' of President best

can you believe this shit?

I don't want a president who 'acts presidential'
I want one who IS a statesman dammit

[jpgray]

4. It's a good way to completely avoid discussing the issues

When the issues ARE discussed, it is usually used as a way to get insight into a pol's--you guessed it--personality. The media can sway a race much more easily dealing with personality over issues--take a look at 2000.

[sangha]

5. The need for a personality cult

disguises a need to avoid thinking.