The "charm factor" in Canada's NDP leadership race

[jae]

A lot of people are saying that one of the most important characteristics that the next NDP leader should have is a certain folksy charm and ability to connect with people. I actually have mixed feelings about this–I mean, sure, we have to replace Jack Layton in a literal sense, but I think we’ll just doom the next leader before he or she even starts if we try to replace Jack characteristic for characteristic. But I also do take the point. Other factors are undoubtedly more important, but it will in fact be much harder for anyone to follow in Jack’s footsteps if he or she comes across as aloof and uncharismatic.

More over at my journal.