[Eva]

Yes, people judge women on their looks more than men, but what it really comes down to is sex appeal. The general public want a president with some sex appeal. That’s why Dole had no chance and the viagra ads were so apt.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

That's interesting. I don't really think it is about wanting sex appeal. I think Dole was an IDIOT to do viagra ads right around when he was running for President. LOL! However, I think it had nothing to do with sex appeal. I think the public wants to have confidence in the person. The media talks endlessly about looking Presidential, but that's not quite it either. People want to feel intuitively that the person is competent, genuine, but not arrogant. Gestures, mannerisms, tone, etc...all play into it. For example Gore. He was okay enough looking during his campaign, but he was a condescending stiff. Bush isn't really a hunk, but he is warm and folksy and seems genuine.

We perceive women differently, so it is normal to wonder the effect. Women can get public approval for sex appeal easier than men, and therefore their character may be less scrutinized. But when the looks aren't there, will she need double the substance of a man? She can't really rely on the folksy stuff because she risks seeming weak and too nurturing or emotional to make tough decisions. I don't know. It may not matter. But it is a reaosnable question to ask.