I've been reading comments all day referring to Edwards being sexy. I agree that it has absolutely nothing at all to do with anything, but in all fairness lets face it. If the candidate is homely, we make fun of that, if he's good looking we make fun of that. A candidate is in a no win situation and I think the rhetoric makes us just as shallow as the Dems.
For what it's worth though...Cheney *does* have a voice like liquid velvet that can slice someone at their knees if need be. :o)
Appearance *does* matter. The most famous example is when Nixon showed up for a debate with JFK sweating and with 5 o'clock shadow.
Most often, the tallest candidate wins. Certainly, the teeny ones (like Dukakis) have had problems almost impossible to overcome.
Being the most attractive candidate is probably worth 3-4% of the vote. W got his share for being cuter than algore. I think he's got the edge over Kerry this time, too.
If Edwards looks like he'll get the "cute" vote from Cheney, they can send out Rummy. He's got quite a following, even in Liberal circles.