That's a good way to put it.

I was also thinking something along the lines of 'charisma in a candidate goes further than qualifications'. No matter how intelligent Kerry is, he just LOOKS like a stiff. He can't help it. He's tried, and dear god, the ensuing goofy sports pictures just made it worse. But the Chimp in the White House? Everyone loves a clown. Even IF that clown has his finger on the big red button...