Does Charisma Play a Role in Electing a President? (Essay Sample)

Does Charisma Play a Role in Electing a President?
Introduction
The president plays a vital role in shaping a country’s political, economic, and social affairs. As such, a successful presidential delivery relies on several factors. Leadership characteristics are essential, particularly for a president to reach their objectives for the country. For instance, Charisma is a vital leadership trait, but researchers have provided contrasting arguments for its role in electing a president. Moreover, a presidential character is a fundamental necessity for presidents, but studies indicate that it does guarantee effective leadership, as seen in various United States presidential history instances. This paper discusses the role of Charisma in electing a president, analyzes the significance of presidential character, and explores a president’s role as a bargainer, unilateral actor, or both.
Charisma refers to the qualities of attractiveness that make a leader more appealing and inspires devotions in others. Charismatic leaders have often utilized their communication skills, articulacy, and charm to influence others. Considering their ability to form a relationship with people on a deep level, they are considered valuable within their setting, especially if their subordinates face a crisis or have difficulties progressing (Ghazal Aswad 56). Over the years, congeniality, humor, and charm have often assisted presidential aspirants in winning elections. However, the personality qualities associated with Charisma are outwardly more vital for voters than an aspirant’s experience or stance on problems. Therefore, in the contemporary world, Charisma counts more than ever due to several reasons. For instance, politicians are promoting themselves as social media brands while individuals living in individualistic cultures treasure a leader’s charism more. Apparently, the United States is becoming individualistic, characterized by self-reliance, assertiveness, and independence. As such, this indicates that charisma is essential over a leader’s performance, especially when it comes to how the leader is evaluated.
However, the above arguments about the importance of charisma on elected leaders are flawed. Charisma may present several problems, especially since it disproportionately profits some kinds of aspirants and disadvantages others. Notable examples of these arguments can be seen in Joe Biden’s reliance on Charisma, wanting his “Uncle Joe” personality to reach Donald Trump’s own charm with working-class whites in 2016 (Ghazal Aswad 56). Moreover, Kamala Harris, who has widely been ridiculed for her affection and connection with voters, seemingly has a mistaken kind of Charisma for being taken seriously. Studies confirm that components such as a leader’s race, gender, and appearance play a vital role in determining perceptions of Charisma (Ghazal Aswad 57). Additionally, social scientists argue that men show more confidence in their management abilities, which translates to Charisma. Society perceives taller men as more charismatic than shorter men, and they do not depict Asian men as being as captivating as white men. Psychologists do occasionally realize that female leaders are viewed as more charismatic than their male equals. As such, the criteria of charisma scholars utilize gives an inaccurate impression since they monitor elements such as perceived emotional intelligence instead of perceived leadership ability.