[Previous entry: "WWJD?"] [Next entry: "Old dog, old tricks"]

11/10/2004: "Smilin' Shrubs of Symphonic Sympathy"

Paul Graham's newest essay, "Its the Charisma, Stupid" is up.

Occam's razor says that we should prefer the simpler of two explanations. I begin by reminding readers of this principle because I'm about to propose a theory that will offend both liberals and conservatives. But Occam's razor means, in effect, that if you want to disagree with it, you have a hell of a coincidence to explain.

The theory is that, in US presidential elections, the more charismatic candidate wins.


But, of course, Shrub was selling fear, not toothy grins. Perhaps playing dumb really is a path toward winning elections.