Reply #16: Lots of things piss me off--the rise of Obama's political star is not one of them.

[TwilightGardener]

Politics is in large part based on personality, charisma, charm, looks, leadership--you can decide not to let that sway you when making your voting choices, but it's a fact. Success in politics is also not a scientific, linear process--the bosses are the people, and they want different things every election. Those on top today might be one bad decision or shift in the wind away from being the next Tom Daschle or Bill Frist or Macaca Allen of tomorrow. I respect Joe for having hung in there this long--he must have pleased his bosses and he's been a good Senator. Does that automatically mean that he's my first choice as President? No.

edit to add: not saying that Joe doesn't have the attributes I listed above (charm, etc.)--just saying that those are factors, and mileage may vary for each candidate.