COMMENTARY | This week, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney visited CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman” to give the top 10 list. Romney is following the lead of 2012 candidate Rick Perry, who also went on the same show following a debate gaffe. In 1992, the Baltimore Sun reported that former president Bill Clinton went on “The Arsenio Hall Show” to play saxophone. Here is how I feel as a voter about presidential candidates choosing to use late night television shows as a way to lure in voters.
As a voter, I do enjoy seeing presidential candidates showcase their personalities outside of debates and scripted campaign speeches. For me, it gives them a chance to show off how personable they really are, which is important when dealing with the American people, other officials, and also other countries. I enjoy seeing the presidential candidates laughing, telling jokes, and showing off their skills, because it can show a more enjoyable side to a candidate. As a voter, I like to know how a candidate handles unscripted moments, because I do not like seeing anyone just talk from a teleprompter all day. It is nice to see the candidate make gaffes and just speak from the heart, because these are the moments that I will remember most about the person, not the answers from a debate. I also enjoy seeing the candidates go on late night television shows because they are more likely to be themselves, as opposed to worrying about who might be watching them at home.
A moment like Romney’s, Perry’s or Clinton’s has never greatly influenced my vote either way, however. I enjoy these moments because it shows the candidates are able to have fun, make fun of their mistakes, and be personable, but it does not really matter to me at the end of the day. When I go to vote for a candidate, I do not really think about the funny joke this candidate or that candidate said on a late night television show, I just tend to focus on the real issues. Sure, personality matters to me, but I would rather have a candidate that stood for the Constitution and had morals over a candidate that could tell jokes, but did not hold the values of the Constitution. When it comes down to it, I rather vote for the candidate with no sense of humor, if that meant the candidate was going to limit government, decrease spending, and stand for what is right.