Last week during the Republican
National Convention, there was considerable gibberish on the “likeability” of
the candidates. Seems like various polls have put Mr. Obama as more likeable
than Mr. Romney. So, it has come to that to decide the future workings of our
government and its increasing impact on society and the economy.
I have known a lot of
disagreeable people in my life. People who were mean, rude, and just unpleasant
to be around. I have worked with them, socialized sometimes with them and encounter
them almost every day. I do not like these people at all.
Mitt Romney is not unlikable. He
seems like a man who has a great bond with his family, with his church and has
gone out of his way to help others. He is not the kind of person I would pal around
with, he comes from a different background, class, and his experiences in life
are different from mine. He probably does not tell a joke well, may not be the
jester at the party but he seems like a well-grounded solid guy. He is the
neighbor who will wave back and return the borrowed lawnmower but not the one
who you would invite to the backyard Bar-B-Que, not because he is unlikeable but
he is just not comfortable to be around.
Mr. Obama, in my view, is not all
that likeable. He seems narsicctic and phony. He thinks he is the smartest guy
in the room and will tell you so but he is not, although he is a clever and
successful politician. He is never wrong, it is always the other guys' fault He certainly does have some good qualities such as his
affection for his family, good character. But, is this enough?
If there was a social gathering,
I could imagine Mr. Romney going around to make sure everyone has a drink or
snack. I could imagine Mr. Obama sitting in the corner, pontificating and
expecting someone to bring him a honey flavored beer.
Of course, my impressions are not
based on any personal interaction. I can understand why some like Mr. Obama. He
is younger, hipper, speaks in a cadence, and loves to embrace liberal social
issues. However, I would not be inviting him over either.
Choosing a President is a
personal decision. There are many factors that sway a vote. People can decide
based on a single issue, a sound bite, rabid partisan allegiance, a person
hair, or who knows what? What the country needs is competent government, a
clear plan to address the many problems and a person with the fortitude to
lead. Likable is not a factor, particularly where the difference between the
candidate’s vision for America is so stark.
One final note, former President
Bill Clinton-the icon for liberal women’s groups for his cheating on his wife
in the White House among other places-gave a well-received speech last night at
the Democrat Convention. The dedicated party welcomed and deserved to see and
hear their leaders, although in this case the speaker was disbarred and
impeached. No matter about the performance or the substance of Mr. Clinton. It
is not about him, although he would like it to be. It is about the election and
record of President Obama.