The Folksy Candidate Phenomenon: Why America's Presidential Elections Seem to Shift in Personality

America's presidential elections are often seen as a wild ride, jumping from one personality type to the complete opposite. We see this shift from George W. Bush with his folksy charm to Barack Obama who channeled a more intellectual and moralistic image. In this article, we delve into why these shifts occur and the dynamics behind the 'folksy candidate phenomenon.'

Unpacking the Presidential Election Cycle

Presidential elections in the United States are regular events, taking place every four years. These elections typically take months to unfold, culminating in a November showdown. Depending on the political party, the outcome is likely to either a Republican or a Democratic president. The term 'presidential election' might seem surreal to some, but it's an integral part of America's democratic process.

When a term concludes, the sitting president leaves office. They have four years to tackle various issues, affecting the lives of millions. They can either choose to run again or choose not to. If they lose, they usually give the office to a representative of the opposing party. This is the reason behind the frequent shifts in personality and policy.

The 'Folksy Candidate' Tradition

America tends to favor presidential candidates who exude a sense of relatability and warmth. This 'folksy' quality is not always the one that would make the best president. Candidates like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan were more 'folksy' than their counterparts, leading to their electoral success. The preference for folksiness over intellectualism has a cultural underpinning that is intriguingly complex.

The term 'folksy' can be seen as the antithesis of intellectualism. Candidates who are perceived as intellectuals, such as Adlai Stevenson or Jimmy Carter, often struggle to gain popularity. Stevenson, for instance, was an intellectual but Americans found intellectuals less appealing. Even candidates like John F. Kennedy, who enjoyed popular novels, were more folksy than their opponents like Richard Nixon. Nixon, while not intellectual, exuded a colder demeanor, which made him less relatable.

Historical Examples of Folksiness in Presidential Elections

Dwight D. Eisenhower vs. Adlai Stevenson: Eisenhower's folksiness was contrasted with Stevenson's intellectualism. Americans preferred Eisenhower's down-to-earth persona over Stevenson's intellectual approach. John F. Kennedy vs. Richard Nixon: Kennedy's folksy charm overpowered Nixon's more serious demeanor. Kennedy's ability to connect with voters made him a formidable candidate. Jimmy Carter vs. Ronald Reagan: Carter's folksiness initially won him supporters but his moralistic scolding style turned people off. Reagan's folksiness was perfect for capturing the American imagination. George H.W. Bush vs. Michael Dukakis: While both were not particularly folksy, Reagan's folksiness managed to mildly rub off on Bush, though lasting only one election. Bill Clinton vs. Bob Dole: Clinton's folksy demeanor won him the presidency, while Dole was portrayed as stiff and less relatable. Bush vs. Gore 2000: Bush's folksiness helped him overperform in the election, despite the popular vote going to Gore. John Kerry vs. George W. Bush: Bush outperformed Kerry in folksiness, helping him win the 2004 election. Barack Obama vs. John McCain: McCain's anger and lack of folksiness made Obama the more popular choice. Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton: Trump's folksiness was marred by his intelligence, while Clinton's Southern charm was contrasted with her New York accent. The outcome remains a subject of discussion.

Conclusion: The Rickshaw Ride of Presidential Elections

America's presidential election process is marked by a shift in personality and image. Candidates who embrace a folksy persona tend to win over those who are seen as intellectuals. The 2016 election exemplified this shift, with Trump trying to capture the folksy charm but struggling with his intellect and anger issues. Both winning and losing candidates must navigate the complex landscape of folksiness and intellect, making each election a unique journey in the annals of American politics.

Stay tuned to see how the folksy candidate phenomenon continues to shape America's presidential elections in the future.