, Columnist
Beware of Beto’s Charisma
It’s hard to resist in a politician, but it’s not necessarily a healthy quality for a leader in a democracy.
The winner of the charisma primary.
Photographer: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North AmericaThis article is for subscribers only.
Many Democrats are thrilled that former Representative Beto O’Rourke of Texas has tossed his hat into the presidential ring. Ever since his near-upset of Senator Ted Cruz last November, Beto (with whom we all seem to be on a first-name basis) has been a media darling — and scarcely a profile can be written about him without mentioning his charisma.
“Charisma has propelled him far,” says Vox. “Beto’s been compared to Obama and been confused for a Kennedy.” A Forbes story details his “seven steps to charisma.” He’s “young and charismatic,” says Politico.