It's Charisma, Stupid

Paul Graham argues that in US presidential elections the more charismatic candidate wins, and that party strategists cancel out differences on issues, leaving charisma to decide the outcome. He cites Clinton over Bush in 1992, Gore's 2000 loss despite Clinton's policies, and Kerry's 2004 defeat to Bush as examples. He also says every presidential election since TV became widespread has gone to the apparently more charismatic candidate, with 1968 and 1960 as the main cases he considers.