Can an Ugly Man or Woman be Elected President?

As Californians contemplate a probable future with Gavin Newsom as governor, this obverse question must be asked.

I read a recent comments section in a national conservative publication discussion of Ted Cruz, and was struck by how many of the comments were devoted to “the ugliness factor.” Can an ugly man be elected president? Yes, he can. I cite Abe Lincoln, though we used to call a man who looked like Lincoln “homely.” The put-down ugly was more often applied to women, though not in polite conversation.

In my view, an ugly person who exudes humanity, kindness, and wisdom can actually become beloved when people get to know him or her. Golda Meir anyone?

Not so somebody who’s unlikable. Case in point Richard Nixon. He lost to JFK in 1960 probably in significant part because of his reputation as “Tricky Dick.” He barely beat Hubert Humphrey in 1968, despite the fact of the burden the Democrats had of a divided party, an unpopular war, and race riots.

I respect Cruz’s intelligence and political combativeness. He is, well let us say, homely, but a bigger problem in my view is that he’s unlikable. Rubio, on the other hand, is both good looking and likable. And Trump and his pompadour are in a category by themselves, not to be judged by the usual rules.