Scientific research says we are indeed a superficial species, so you can feel free to make your decision the easy way. Want to guess who our next president is? You’ll know him when you see him. Sure, we’re supposed to base our vote on who’s the best person for the job. But chances are you made your decision way before you downloaded that will.i.am song, bought bumper stickers, and googled unknown Alaskans. Just ask Alexander Todorov. The Princeton University researcher asked people to judge the competency of unfamiliar politicians running for office simply by looking through photographs. Todorov discovered that his subjects were able to pick the winner 68 percent of the time. What does that mean? More often than not, it’s physical appearance that sways the electorate. Here are eight winning traits to watch for before stepping in the booth this November.Youth Nine of the most successful presidents in history were 54 years old when they first called the White House home.Face A pronounced jaw, sharp brow ridges, small eyes, and thin lips are tantamount to greatness. Round-eyes and a baby face, meanwhile, may be equated with inexperience and weakness.Hair Americans love a good head of hair. Facial hair’s a no-no, however. No president in this century has rocked a ‘stache or beard, perhaps because so many of our enemies do.Height Nearly half of all U.S. presidents have stood 6 feet or taller: Lincoln was tallest at 6’4″; little James Madison, at 5’4″, was shortest.Skin Color Though it hasn’t happened yet, one poll found that 66 percent of people say they’d vote for a black president. Mormon and black, though? Not a chance in hell.Weight The last big guy to occupy the Oval Office was Taft in 1912 (all 300-plus pounds of him). Now, athleticism is prized. Ford played football. Carter played tennis. Reagan rode horses. And Bush runs 7-minute miles.-Cristina Goyanes
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ANATOMY OF A CANDIDATE |
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Barack ObamaAge 47Height 6’2″Weight 180 poundsFitness regimen Jogs and plays basketballAdvantage One survey said 42 percent of single women would like to see Obama naked.Disadvantage Despite what the polls say, some believe Obama’s race will play a role during the November elections. |
John McCainAge 72Height 5’7″Weight 165 poundsFitness regimen Walks and hikesAdvantage The former POW and cancer survivor wears visible scars to remind voters of his courage and strength.Disadvantage There’s a concern that the senior citizen could croak while in office. |
