An interesting little poll on charisma (Guess who's winning...)

[Jackpine Radical]

http://psychology.about.com/library/weekly/aa012500a.htm


"Effective is as effective does" is a good motto concerning getting things done and getting issues taken care of. But leadership is not about the leaders themselves taking care of issues. It is about leaders leading followers. At the core of each leadership is the relationship between the leader and the followers. Candidates for political campaigns like to think that they are "all about issues". But often, to be elected, "the issues" are not the only issue. What would be the reason then for American people to let this one, but not that one, be their leader? And once he becomes the president, what may make this one an effective president? Some may answer "Charisma."

In fact, The Charisma Theory of Leadership has become a popular alternative leadership theory to the traditional personality approach and behavioral approach. Charisma, originated in theology referring to a talent given by God as a free gift or favor, was first used to describe political leadership by Max Weber (1864-1920). Recent studies found that people experience personal attractions to a charismatic leader. The attraction leads to a powerful leader-follower relationship. Phenomena associated with a charisma leadership include:

Followers full-heartedly, even blindly, trusting the correctness of the leader's beliefs

Followers feeling affection to the leader and obeying the leader willingly

Followers feeling an emotional involvement in the mission they are led into


Which 2004 presidential or vice presidential candidate has the greatest charisma?

George W. Bush (8)
13%


John Kerry (26)
42%


Dick Cheney (2)
3%


John Edwards (25)
40%


Total Votes: 61

[Fridays Child]

1. I voted. Thanks.

[Massacure]

2. I voted for Edwards

Kerry and Edwards are tied now.

[Cha]

3. Now it's this..

George W. Bush (8)
10%


John Kerry (32)
42%


Dick Cheney (2)
2%


John Edwards (33)
44%


Total Votes: 75

[goclark]

4. Yes!

Kerry 49 %

John Edwards 36 % Chimp and his Zoo Keeper were in low digits.

[LostInAnomie]

5. done, but they're getting to it.

George W. Bush (24)
21%


John Kerry (50)
43%


Dick Cheney (2)
1%


John Edwards (38)
33%

[redstateblues]

7. Done. Get busy!

[troublemaker]

6. Why would you want to win THIS poll?

This poll is essentially "who is a potential fascist?"

The charismatic qualities listed are all deeply undesirable unless you're putting together an army or starting a religion. They are powerful and effective traits, just not very American.

It's fun to follow a charismatic leader, but not wise. I find Kerry to be about the least charismatic figure I've ever seen, and precisely what we need after four years of nazi-lite.

[cynatnite]

8. Dick Cheney has about as much charisma as a stick n/t

[zuzu98]

9. Freeped

George W. Bush (351)
42%


John Kerry (259)
31%


Dick Cheney (104)
12%


John Edwards (106)
12%


Total Votes: 820

[Zen Democrat]

10. This is being freeped. Let's go, people. Boosh = Charisma? Oh, Lord.