I Want to Like Him... Is That Enough?

First, more fuel for the fire: U.S. Deficit Hits Record $413 Billion. Sickening.

After sitting through last night's snoozefest (aka presidential debate #3), I was roused from indifference only a handful of times, reacting in one of two ways: a) disbelief resulting in weak chuckling, eye-rolling and/or head-shaking, or b) utter disgust with the whole debacle already. I mean, has not a single stinking question been answered truthfully or fully throughout this ridiculous, three-act Mr. Congeniality pageant?

One thing that struck me like a speeding train was that I do not particularly like John Kerry. Yes, I will vote for him. I will vote for him because I generally concur with his ideas and values and I believe a new administration will reinvigorate this disheartened country. I am saddled with an all-consuming eagerness to wave a blaring "Buh-bye" to Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and the rest of an administration that has not been healthy for the American people.

But last night I came to terms with a feeling that's been gnawing at me since the primaries: John Kerry is not likable. We know he's intelligent, well-spoken, educated, experienced and honorable. But where's the charisma, the warmth, the personality? I will vote for John Kerry, but what I want so badly is to connect with this man on a level other than "Well, he'd make a far better leader than Bush," yet I have not determined how to do that.

Sadly, that seems to be a common lament amongst my fellow voters in the "Anyone but Bush" camp, those of us losing sleep with concern over voters who -- while aware enough to know Bush and company spell more bad news for the world -- just don't feel that vital connection with Kerry. The desperate question posed is whether or not Kerry's lack of likability could cause even a fraction of otherwise Democratic voters to vote for Bush (or not at all).

Bill Clinton radiated warmth and wit to Americans and they, in turn, opened their hearts to his charm, intelligence and charisma. Even Howard Dean had more passion, personality and persistence than Kerry. Despite his coming across as a raving lunatic during the primaries, he would have eventually lived that down and may have been the man to unite this country in getting truly excited about a candidate as opposed to merely getting behind the guy who's not Bush.

I still support Kerry and encourage others to vote for him, because I believe without a shred of doubt that Bush needs and deserves to be removed. And, as I attempt to find reasons to warm up to Kerry, I am optimistic when considering the fact that it's not just Kerry who will be hanging his suits and ties in the closet of the Oval Office. He'll bring with him an entire new team of sharp minds to fill all those stuffy posts now occupied by misguided people whose only mission is to get their incompetent boss re-elected despite his countless missteps. That in itself will be an improvement of monumental proportions.

Posted by ayelet at October 14, 2004 02:50 PM