SF Mayoral race: How much of a role will their physical attributes play?

[Wonk]

Will the city opt for Democrat Gavin Newsom, 36, whose finely chiseled face, impeccably gelled coiffure and European designer suits grant him the aura of a Calvin Klein model? Or will voters prefer Green candidate Matt Gonzalez, 38, whose brooding eyes, mussed locks and Doc Marten boots bestow a bohemian mystique evoking Francois Truffaut?

Journalists, politicos and activists are abuzz about the phenomenon, variously dubbing it "the hunk factor," "the image factor" and "the chick factor." But in a city that likes to think of itself as politically sophisticated and issues-oriented, could such a silly thing in a close race possibly be the deciding factor?

(snip)

Imagemakers may underestimate the importance of policy issues in elections -- it's hard to imagine that Gray Davis' pompadour cost him more votes than, say, the perception that he spent more energy shaking down contributors than serving the public. Similarly, many voters in San Francisco are annoyed to no end by the suggestion that their vote could be influenced by the candidate's looks more than by his record or positions on the homeless and urban development.

"Even so, I think it makes more of a difference than we're comfortable admitting," argues Frankel. "The most accurate parallel I can offer is the Nielsen surveys, where everybody swears they're watching 'National Geographic' when really they're watching 'Jerry Springer.' "

more...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/12/07/ING7N3F9H91.DTL

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. I hate that "factor"

but it has a real enough impact.

Couldn't begin to tell you what the SF masses will be drawn to on Tuesday, though.

[Wonk]

2. Me too. I guess we'll see tomorrow whether it makes any difference or not.

nt

[Guaranteed]

3. I think it was Davis's thin face

and whiney, weak voice that lost the election for him. He didn't have any fire, while Arnold was up their thundering away, as transparent as he was.

On edit: BTW, I think physical characteristics and poise are probably the MOST determinining factor in elections. Yes, it's sad.

[JI7]

4. it was the whore media

they refused to cover even just 1 of the town hall meetings of gray davis. they protected arnold from any accusations against him by playing it up as "dirty campaign tricks". and the moron voters fell for it. even the debate with arnold where he didn't do well was shown as a victory for him just because he didn't mess up that much (same as with gwbush).

[FDRrocks]

5. Matt looks better than Newsom...

and hey! added bonus! He isn't a lowlife democracy hating scumfuck.

[JI7]

8. both attractive

but i would go with matt also .

[JI7]

9. but more important

i would vote for matt if i could just because there is no chance of any republican or conservative actually having a chance of winning so i would vote for the more liberal which is matt gonzalez.

[scotia]

6. Gonzales or Newsom...help!

Today (Dec.9th) is the big day. Who to vote for?? I have heard that Gonzalez is pretty much like a progressive...and that Newsom is sort of a Liberman -a Republican lite.

I just would like to know which of the two would support Howard Dean for President? If Gonzalez would say he would...then I would vote for him in a second. Yet, since Newsom is a DEMOCRAT...and would go with what Al Gore would like...he will clearly support Howard Dean.

I am a Democrat who wants Howard Dean, yet if our new mayor- be that Matt Gonzalez...can only support a green candidate, then I can't vote for him. I would have to go with Newsom. I may not like Newsom, but if he supports Howard Dean, then I have no choice.

I guess I am looking at the big picture. Some would say, look at what both would do for the city and county of San Francisco. Sure I want a progressive...and not a republican lite... but there is much more to it than that.

I will not know who I vote for...but if I do go with Newsom...its only because I know a Democrat will support a Democrat as President of the United States. Hopefully its Howard Dean.

[abbyhoffman]

7. If anthing

Gonzalez is repuke lite! its Gonzalez who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth

Newsom grew up in poverty

I'm voting for Newsom

[Iverson]

10. try policies, not insults

Policies are the important thing, not superficial stuff.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=842894&mesg_id=848774&page=

One candidate is supported by Bechtel and former Secretary of State George Schultz, and it isn't Gonzalez.