[prion]

Shales observed: "The gap between him and Ronald Reagan -- in terms of stature, speaking ability, and overall presidentiality -- is gargantuan."

While I fervently wish George W. Bush were more like Reagan in many ways, I think charisma plays a large part in W's political life, too. It's not Reagan's blazing personality, but a sort of quirky likableness. It drives the media insane to realize people sort of like it when Bush accidentally makes up nutty words during soundbites, or gives people goofy nicknames on the spot. A man who has the courage to name his dog Spot suits me just fine.

Now, John Kerry...

[tell me]

I think W has his own kind of charisma. He's more like the boy next door. I have his picture on the wall right in front of my desk along with photos of my husband and kids. I can't help but smile when I see the President's confident grin smiling back at me.