If you say, “Prior to the television era,” go to the head of the class.
In fact, the last time we elected a balding president was 1956 (Dwight Eisenhower). Four years later we witnessed history’s first televised debate between presidential candidates—Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy—and got an immediate lesson in the Luciferian Beauty Principle.
That is, Americans hearing the debate only on radio thought the more intellectual, but pale, sickly-looking and sweaty Nixon won. Those watching it on TV supposed that the younger, far more handsome Kennedy won.
Donald Trump would seem an exception to the appearance imperative with his generous girth. But, first, he carries it well; second, he did generally shed pounds during campaigns. Most importantly, however, Trump is a singular, historic, transformational figure (e.g., the first to win the presidency despite no military or prior political service). He’d long been a celebrity and a star on television, a member of the glitterati.
Speaking of which, the late Rush Limbaugh would say that politics “is just showbiz for the ugly.” Well, the Democrats generally, and their far-left fringe puppeteer crew in particular, may be applying a formula: Put an uber-attractive, ultra-articulate candidate who delivers his lines splendidly in ugly-people showbiz and “Voilà!” He perhaps can’t lose.
Lest you think I exaggerate, question: Do you know how Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) entered politics?
She was chosen by “progressive” PAC the Justice Democrats, from about 10,000 applicants, through what was, essentially, an audition-like process.
Yes, really.
The result was one of the biggest upsets in recent congressional history: Cortez trounced 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley in the 2018 Democrat primaries by 14 points.