What is this bit about Bush being "likable"? I've heard pundits mention it

[terrya]

Am I missing something here? I've heard some political pundits mention Bush's "likability" factor as opposed to Kerry's "aloofness".

Allegedly, according to these self same pundits, Bush is the type of a guy you can go and have a beer with.

Where is this likability quotient of Bush's coming from, anyway? I see a guy who's a big smart ass. Someone who is kind of cruel, actually. I read that Bush tortured little animals when he was a kid. Seriously.

Can someone explain this "likability" quality that Bush supposedly has? This, sadly enough, is a determining factor in choosing a President. As if we're actually going to schmooze with the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

[GOPisEvil]

1. He's a glad-hander. Like a used car salesman.

Your best friend while he's screwing you. Then, when you realize you've been had, he laughs at you.

[22181]

2. I don't get it...

In pictures where he's speaking, he always looks to me like he's aggressive and snotty. His pushed forward body language, just begging for the lemmings to believe him. He's only as likeable as a snake. Anyone who does like him is a terrible judge of character.

[New Dem]

5. actually

in person when he's working a line...he's quite personable...but i guess that's what politicians are supposed to be like.

[onebigbadwulf]

3. He's the cheerleader that everyone wanted to take to prom

Wulf 1 Bush 0

[SheilaT]

4. This bit of

fantasy got started during the 2000 campaign. Bush was presented as a regular guy, one you could knock back a brew with, while Gore was presented as an uptight man who wouldn't be the least bit fun at a backyard barbecue.

It wasn't true, of course, but was said over and over again, so now it's treated is if it actually is.

I agree that Bush's demeanor has always been one of a smug, smirking jerk. I've known my share of guys like that, and the willingness of people to tolerate emotional and verbal abuse at his hands never ceases to amaze me.

[Karmadillo]

6. Sociopaths are often charming.

http://home.datawest.net/esn-recovery/artcls/socio.htm

A number of mind-manipulating cult leaders may exhibit many of the behavioral characteristics of a sociopath--an outstanding ability to charm and seduce followers. Since they appear apparently normal, they are not easily recognizable as deviant or disturbed. Although only a trained professional can make a diagnosis, it is important to be able to recognize the personality type in order to avoid further abuse. These traits also apply to a one-on-one cultic relationship.

Glibness/Superficial Charm
Language can be used without effort by them to confuse and convince their audience. Captivating storytellers that exude self-confidence, they can spin a web that intrigues others. Since they are persuasive, they have the capacity to destroy their critics verbally or emotionally.

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right." Craves adulation and attendance. Must be the center of attention with their own fantasies as the "spokesman for God," "enlightened," "leader of humankind," etc. Creates an us-versus-them mentality

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and able to pass lie detector tests.

more...

[wishlist]

7. I don't get it either. He strikes me as a dumb belligerent juvenile bully

who is mean spirited and incredibly arrogant as well as incompetent. My family and friends are also totally repelled by him. By contrast Kerry seems to be thoughtful, wise, sensitive, and friendly.

[Dufaeth]

8. My friend is the son of a Dem politician,

He went to a dinner with Bush cuz his mom hates the Prez and can't stand to even be around him. My friend said despite his dislike of Bush he is very likable and charismatic in person.

[southpaw]

9. Molly Ivins has said the same about him...

and we know she's no apologist...

[Beware the Beast Man]

10. Likable=ignorant dumbass

No highfalutin intellectual here.

[Rob H.]

11. "Likability"?

Maybe it's time to remind the media of the "Who cares what you think?" story, even though snopes.com calls the story's veracity "unverified" and maintains that "(s)uch behavior demonstrates a lack of respect for the office of President of the United States, an honor that should be maintained whether or not one respects the man who currently holds the office." Yeah? Tell that to the practitioners of right-wing spewcraft like O'Reilly, Limbaugh, Coulter, et al., who built their careers by attacking our last elected president for 8 solid years.

One thing (among many) that struck me while watching F-9/11 was how prissy Shrub looked while he was getting made-up to appear on television. (Well, that and how he sat there with his mouth slightly open for about 20 seconds, which made him look even dumber than usual.) Maybe snippy is actually a better word, but I don't even know if it's a look I can really describe--eyes slightly narrowed, lips pursed, back ramrod straight, looking straight ahead. My observation is probably colored by how little I think of the man himself, but he looked like a schoolmarm who was about to chastise a student for belching out loud.

Another thing I noticed, in watching the clips they showed both before and during his campaign in 2000, is that early on, he appeared to have no Southern accent. Did anyone else notice this? Regardless, I just think the man is phony from the top of his head straight down to the ground. Can you tell?;)

[lpbk2713]

12. I really think what it is...........

is that some people are protective of his genuine stupidity. Honestly. I think some people might perceive a vulnerability and want to protect him like a parent would protect a child. After all, it has worked pretty good for him for 58 years.

[RoyGBiv]

13. If you repeat it often enough...

It must be true. Something about that on the Daily Show that I recall.

I know people who say he's "likeable" who have never been within a hundred miles of him. They don't know; it's just repeated over and over again, so it must be true.

OTOH, I've read that Hitler could be very charming when he wanted to be. That's one thing all demagogues seem to have in common.

[lpbk2713]

14. That's one of the ways they described Ted Bundy as well.

He was said to be very "charming" when he wanted to be.

[cmf]

15. Well, I hate him

So I certainly don't understand his "likability". Maybe he's likable to good ol' boys or something.

[skypilot]

16. A man that makes fun of...

...a woman he's about to have executed and who goofs around and pumps his fist in the air before sending American troops off to die is NOT likable by any stretch of the imagination. I don't even think his daughters like him.

[wickerwoman]

17. Many Americans are bullies and many more just don't like thinking

very hard.

Bush's bullying and lack of curiosity validates their own, so they find him "likable" "down to earth" and "a regular guy."

I wouldn't shake his hand if you paid me a million dollars. I turn off the TV if I see his face or hear his voice. The sight/sound of him makes me physically nauseous ever since 9/11.

[opihimoimoi]

18. Ted Bundy was a Likeable guy too, so was Manson

[CBHagman]

19. Well, Molly Ivins claims...

...that in person he is quite likable. I forget how she phrased it, but apparently his shtick works on her. That said, she hasn't stopped revealing his nastier deeds to the world and criticizing his policies.

I've met Molly Ivins, and she's every bit as outgoing and friendly as you would expect.

But as for Bush...if you listen to the press availabilities or see him at events, there's a real nasty streak there, and it's something that has been documented by many people, including, believe it or not, Tucker Carlson. I find Bush to be testy, condescending (he always talks to people as though they're incapable of anything beyond the third grade), manipulative, vain, narcissistic, boastful, and vindictive.

Also, the Bush family's tendency towards snobbery and vindictiveness has long been documented. They hold grudges and they like controlling people -- and looking down on them. Jack Germond, Kati Marton and various others have cited specific examples of that sort of behavior.

[Lisa]

22. ugly practical jokes ...

I think that when he feels secure, he doesn't want to bother putting the energy into being charming. There was that incident on the "ranch" back in 2000 when he tricked a reporter into drinking out of a creek, then told the man that the water was contaminated with cattle waste.


What a guy laughs at can be VERY revealing. I once dated a man who adored playing mean tricks on people. I didn't find this out until some time into the relationship, but ever since then I keep a close watch for traits like this before forming friendships ... it's a real warning flag, as I found out!

[Mara Steele]

20. It's Nazi propaganda, of course.

The Nazi Networks are just supporting their great Fuhrer and trying to brainwash everyone else into thinking that way.

Bush is arrogant, cruel, and stupid and it is plain as day.

Kerry is gentle, articulate, intelligent and spiritual, that is also plain as day to me.
He connects with people in a very human and caring manner.

Kerry/Edwards Will Win November 2004! The people will make their choice clear.

[Kat45]

21. I don't get it either.

I don't see anything likable about him at all. Even if I knew nothing about him and I met him somewhere, I somehow doubt that I'd find him likable.

[burythehatchet]

23. You're not missing a darn thing

he is as far from likeable as a rodent can get

[bif]

24. A friend of mine met him while jogging

before he became president. He said Bush was completely devoid of character. It wasn't until later when he saw the Secret Service agents that he realized it was Bush.