Charisma on the Canadian campaign trail

Sex appeal sells — even in an election. Sex appeal sells products online, on TV, on the big screen, on stage and in newspapers, books and magazines and on the campaign trail.

Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, has it. Perhaps others on the campaign trail have admirers but this week the focus is on Mr. Trudeau.

Justin indeed has great hair, charisma and he has proven to be quite an intellectual and leader. But what most people don’t know is — many men may have a man-crush on the Liberal contender. If not a man-crush, then many of the male electorate would like to be like him. Good old envy. Good looks, charm, a suave personality, being persuasive — all attributes contributing to a leader being elected.

Many of these attributes seem to be lacking in the political leaders running in this year’s federal election (the Green Party Leader of Canada exempt from this generalization). All the Kennedy family had it in the United States. Canadian crooner Michael Buble has it. Donald Trump, running in this year’s U.S. election doesn’t have it but neither does any of the other candidates, it seems, except for maybe Hillary Clinton (but the female version of the aforementioned). Former U.S. President Bill Clinton had it. The Bush family — probably not so much. Obama could be the epitome of charismatic.

So, it seems by definition, left-leaning political leaders seem to have it. Right-leaning, maybe not so much except Brian Mulroney had it and his son Ben definitely has it.

Again, these are only generalizations and are not founded in any sort of fact. Just a discussion on the sex appeal of a political candidate and how that matters come election time.

For sure, there’s good looking people running in their respective ridings throughout Canada but for this editorial the focus is on the big wigs (Donald Trump denies he wears a rug).

Presentation matters. First impressions matter. No matter what people say — people will judge you by your cover. When you go to a job interview, you’re expected to dress your best and be the best you can be. Politicians on a campaign trail need to be tip top and tailored to the max. A politician’s hair must be perfect. His/her face must have just enough cover-up and make-up to shine in the bright lights of political fashion. It’s as though politicians on the campaign trail are on a cat walk strutting their stuff, while voters bicker back and forth giving reviews, while trying to decide if the new line of political leader will make it or break it. Sure, political agendas and a politician’s thoughts on policies and procedures are important but what about the designer who designs their clothes or the hair product they use or the car they drive. These are all very important aspects to consider this election.

Do you really want a leader driving a beat-up old pick-up truck or Pinto or Gremlin? Of course not. Do you really want the next Prime Minister of Canada to use dollar store shampoo and conditioner? Maybe you do.

Take a look at the pictures, watch the TV coverage and see for yourself what the political leaders look like. Beauty is skin deep, some will say. But, does Canada really need a non-charismatic, soul-less, old biddy running the country? It does not. Canada needs a valiant steed or beautiful princess representing this country of beer, poutine, maple syrup and apologies. These are generalizations just like the aforementioned.

Of course, in an election, a face matters. If an elector doesn’t like what he/she sees in front of him/her in a politician’s ultimate money shot — no doubt, that face is not going to get elected, unless said political leader is genuine, honest, kind and caring and compassionate, smart, trustworthy, and the list goes on.

A political leader needs to have a few of these attributes to run a country. Many politicians might of had some of those attributes when first stepping into the political ring but over time has lost those very same attributes that got them elected in the first place.

Politicians need to take a look in the mirror and reflect — both new and seasoned veterans of the political stage. The veterans should take a look and perhaps see how the electorate might see them or newbies can take a glimpse into the future and try their best to be who they want to be for Canada.