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Looks a bigger issue for male pollies: study
Herald Sun ^ | 7 December 2006

Posted on 12/06/2006 9:15:20 PM PST by Aussie Dasher

POLITICS might be Hollywood for ugly people, but film star good looks are a definite asset at the hustings.

A university study has shown attractive features – especially for men – could be the difference between winning and losing for aspiring pollies.

The study by Australian National University economist Dr Andrew Leigh and South Australia University student Amy King found that positive first impressions count.

Voters tend to opt for better-looking candidates, especially if they were challenging a sitting member.

"Compared to the average-looking political candidate, a candidate at the 84th percentile of the beauty description, as judged by our independent raters, receives an extra 1.5 to two per cent of the vote," Dr Leigh said in a statement.

"In some seats, this is the difference between winning and losing."

The researchers used how-to-vote card photographs scored by four independent raters chosen to be representative of the electorate.

"There was strong agreement across our raters as to who were the most beautiful candidates," Dr Leigh said.

Ms King and Dr Leigh also analysed the impact of beauty separately for male and female candidates – for both incumbents and challengers.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...


TOPICS: Extended News; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: elections; goodlooks; males
Could Lard Ass be the exception that proves the rule???
1 posted on 12/06/2006 9:15:24 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
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To: Aussie Dasher

Butt ugly Abe Lincoln wouldn't make it in today's politics.


2 posted on 12/06/2006 9:16:53 PM PST by Graybeard58 (Remember and pray for SSgt. Matt Maupin - MIA/POW- Iraq since 04/09/04)
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To: Aussie Dasher

Well look at your hero President Reagan he made it in poltics LOL!


3 posted on 12/06/2006 9:25:41 PM PST by SevenofNine ("Step aside Jefe"=Det Lennie Briscoe)
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To: SevenofNine

Just further evidence!!!!


4 posted on 12/06/2006 9:29:04 PM PST by Aussie Dasher (The Great Ronald Reagan & John Paul II - Heaven's Dream Team!)
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To: SevenofNine
Well look at your hero President Reagan he made it in poltics LOL!

Hey, Reagan was a good looking man - even unto his 70's. Besides, he was the last true Conservative (aka decent man with a good plan) available to elect. I must admit that your making light of him rubs me wrong.
5 posted on 12/06/2006 9:32:16 PM PST by Jaysun (Let's not ruin this moment with words.)
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To: Aussie Dasher

Yeah Ronnie was good looking guy when he was in his prime in Hollywood in 1940s could been leading man potential but jack Warner has other plans


6 posted on 12/06/2006 9:36:25 PM PST by SevenofNine ("Step aside Jefe"=Det Lennie Briscoe)
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To: SevenofNine
jack Warner has other plans

Tojo had other plans. Reagan was set to start getting the really good roles when WWII broke out.

7 posted on 12/06/2006 9:38:50 PM PST by krb (If you're not outraged, people probably like having you around.)
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To: Jaysun; Aussie Dasher; All

NO I respect Ronnie I am from SO CAL aka Los Angeles

What I saying is that Ronnie took movie career took it level then retired went become President of SAG

Here something interesting Ronnie introduce in SAG Rules any time old Bette Davis movie is show on TCM or other channel or sold on DVD or VHS that royaltie go to estate of Bette

That one thing Ronnie introduce this what I don't understand about Hollywood how come they never recongize Ronnie as SAG President he did lots of good


8 posted on 12/06/2006 9:40:37 PM PST by SevenofNine ("Step aside Jefe"=Det Lennie Briscoe)
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To: krb

Ronnie could been leading man but WW2 broke out

I saw thing on Ronnie on American Masters they interview some people who knew Ronnie back in da day even Bette Davis think Ronnie could have a career that you something

Bette kinda know how many oscars she won LOL!


9 posted on 12/06/2006 9:44:03 PM PST by SevenofNine ("Step aside Jefe"=Det Lennie Briscoe)
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To: SevenofNine

Thank God he never got to be "leading man". He never have entered politics if he had.


10 posted on 12/06/2006 9:59:19 PM PST by Aussie Dasher (The Great Ronald Reagan & John Paul II - Heaven's Dream Team!)
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To: Aussie Dasher; All

AD Ronnie was not first actor go into politics there was few one is Sam Jeffe character and George Murphy he was old school actor

SO Ronnie is really following those guys don't forget Mervin Douglas you know famous for movie Nitockia with Greta Garbo he marry politican


11 posted on 12/06/2006 10:01:49 PM PST by SevenofNine ("Step aside Jefe"=Det Lennie Briscoe)
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To: Graybeard58

Abe got in because the Democrats split between Douglas and Breckinridge. That aside, you're right all the same. Today, he wouldn't make it out of the primaries.


12 posted on 12/07/2006 9:34:58 AM PST by thulldud ("Para inglés, oprima el dos.")
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