In today’s political landscape, personality and spectacle are often more powerful than policy or qualifications.
Trump’s spectacular second presidential election victory exemplifies this shift: His appeal doesn’t stem from detailed platforms but from his outsized persona and the way he dominates attention with catchphrases and memorable sound bites. For many, his unpredictable, brash style is refreshing, even if it lacks substance or decorum.
Meanwhile, Democratic candidates, like Kamala Harris, are often held to higher standards -- expected to embody competence, professionalism, and thoughtfulness. But recent elections suggest voters aren’t looking for these qualities alone.
Trump’s allure is rooted in his ability to seem “authentic,” embodying a flawed, raw personality that many voters see as relatable.
Harris, despite her experience and qualifications, faced a different reception. She projects competence, which ironically made her seem less accessible.
Voters who feel disillusioned with traditional politics often see polished candidates as distant or part of an elite that doesn’t understand them.
In this light, Trump’s perceived transparency -- even if it reveals unsettling or chaotic traits -- makes him seem more like an “everyman.”
It’s the familiar reality-show effect: People vote for the personality they find entertaining, memorable, and relatable.
For Democrats, this shift poses a dilemma. They have two options: They can either find a candidate who, like Obama, represents a beacon of hope and idealism, or they can embrace the “cult of personality” approach.
The first approach requires an inspirational figure who can revive optimism with powerful messaging and a unifying vision.
The second option would mean leaning fully into personality politics, finding someone who combines charisma, relatability, and perhaps even a bit of controversy to capture the spotlight.
If Democrats pursue the latter, they may need a candidate who can be outspoken and viral in the way Trump is -- someone like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, for instance.
With his cultural appeal, authenticity, and larger-than-life persona, he could disrupt the usual political mold. He might capture both attention and support by being a familiar, trusted figure who feels accessible yet larger-than-life.
Ultimately, today’s political environment demands candidates who can engage voters on a visceral level. The traditional metrics of intelligence, policy, and professionalism are less decisive than they once were.
In an age of social media and 30-second clips, the appeal lies in personality, simplicity, and a bit of spectacle.
Democrats must recognize that to succeed, they need to adapt to this shift -- finding candidates who embody traits that resonate emotionally rather than intellectually.
It’s the reality of modern elections: People don’t want to be led by policy; they want to be entertained and moved by personality.
Toffael Rashid is a Global Marketing Professional.
