I worry that as we move from the primaries to the general election, that the looks or, more specifically, the physical attractiveness of the candidates will become increasingly important. Despite what people generally don’t like to admit, but which the late night talk shows sometimes feature, many in the general electorate often cannot match names with pictures of mainstream elected officials let along have any clue about policies of individual candidates.

Particularly as move to the general election, I would imagine that Obama’s stereotypically tall height, thin weight, full head of hair, and youthful appearance will weigh heavily against McCain’s much shorter average height, more typical heavier average weight, a thin comb-over hair style, and less than youthful appearance. Historically, with rare exception and, yes, with some exception the more physically attractive of the finalists have been the victors. Most notably, of course, is the routinely acknowledged physical attractive differences between John Kennedy and his counterpart, Richard Nixon.

Dr. Gordon Patzer
author of "Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined"
Physical Attractiveness Phenomenon by Gordon Patzer