Prior to 1960 we had three Presidents (Washington, Lincoln and FDR) whose personalities were dominant factors in their performances of leading the nation in major wars. Since then, we have had three more (JFK, Clinton and Obama) whose popularity seems to have been based on their personalities irrespective of their policies. Reagan might be added to this list, but he is primarily remembered as a Conservative President.
I am wondering whether this will be the determining factor in selecting future Presidents. For example, Hillary Clinton enjoys wide support for a presidential candidacy even though her political philosophy is largely unknown to her followers. (Contrastingly, potential GOP candidates are busy staking out their positions on a myriad of issues.)
The Roman Emperors cultivated this approach, which added to their popularity but ultimately doomed the Empire. Are we headed down the same path?
I am wondering whether this will be the determining factor in selecting future Presidents. For example, Hillary Clinton enjoys wide support for a presidential candidacy even though her political philosophy is largely unknown to her followers. (Contrastingly, potential GOP candidates are busy staking out their positions on a myriad of issues.)
The Roman Emperors cultivated this approach, which added to their popularity but ultimately doomed the Empire. Are we headed down the same path?