Charisma was Re: Testing, 1,2,3

[Carol]

Kemper wrote:
> I'm going to rule out intelligence as a contributing factor toward
> charisma as I've witnessed some amazingly stupid yet some how engaging
> people.  It is frustrating, dumbfounding and even a bit scary to
> realize someone plumb dumb can have such obvious influence over
> another.   

Carol responds:
I'm not so sure. I think it's a factor in *soem* people's charisma,
Bill Clinton's, for sure. Intelligence conveyed with a twinkle draws
people to you. (Dumbledore, anyone?)
> 
> I wonder if there's some bio-chemistry involved.  Prolly not, but
what about people's posts about Bill?  I'm sure most of the US
regardless of politics can see on tv how he might be a charismatic
man.  But those who've met him seem to *feel* the charisma.

Carol again:
Probably, but charisma can also be sensed, perhaps less strongly, in a
person being filmed or videotaped--appearance, voice, mannerisms,
facial expression--all those have something to do with it. Does Obama
have it? Joe Biden? McCain? (I'm not talking about their political
views, only personality and the power to attract friends, followers,
and hangers on--or whatever we've decided that charisma is.) Edward IV
had it, if anyone cares about fifteenth-century kings. JFK did, too.
And, outside power and politics, Paul Newman probably did. How about
Alan Rickman?

Tonks asked whether a woman can have charisma (as opposed to sex
appeal or beauty, which we all know that a woman can have). Charm and
grace, certainly. Did Jackie O have charisma or "only" beauty and
style? What about--politics aside--Sarah Palin? She's not beautiful,
but she's cute in her way (sixties beehive hairdo and all): perky,
energetic, sometimes funny, and not afraid to reach out to people that
she sees as just like herself. Is identifying with other people (or
seeming to do so) part of charisma? I think it is, at least sometimes. 

What about the British royals? Did Diana have it? Do any of those
still living, or do they all fail the test? Fergie, anyone?

Carol, who thinks that voices are important (it's hard to have
charisma if you speak through your nose or whine)