Who ranks higher on the charisma scale, Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan?
By CNN's Jack Cafferty:
They looked like two peas in a pod.
When Mitt Romney announced Paul Ryan as his running mate Saturday morning, some people thought they were seeing double.
Writing for the Daily Beast, Robin Givhan suggests Ryan could easily be mistaken for one of Romney's five sons.
She says that the Republican running mates - in their matching white shirts and black pants - lacked dazzle or texture.
She describes them as "two white guys defined by political expedience, professional uniforms and perfectly pomaded hair."
And it's not just their appearances that are similar.
Politico suggests Ryan could just be "Mitt squared." The writers say it's easy to see why Romney - the 65-year-old "numbers nerd" - wanted Ryan - the 42-year-old "budget wonk" - on the ticket with him.
Like Romney, Ryan isn't the most exciting speaker. It's possible Romney was looking more for a youthful double of himself than for someone to balance the ticket.
Speaking of doubles, consider these two back in high school.
In his Janesville, Wisconsin, high school, Ryan was voted "biggest brown noser" by his senior year classmates.
He was also the prom king and junior class president, not to mention an athlete and in the Latin club - a pretty well-rounded guy.
As for Romney, he attended a boys' prep school in Michigan, the state where his father was governor.
According to one classmate, Romney was in the glee club and the pep club and was chairman of the homecoming committee.
What he didn't do was play middle linebacker on the football team.
Here's my question to you: Who ranks higher on the charisma scale, Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan?
Tune in to "The Situation Room" at 5 p.m. ET to see if Jack reads your answer on the air.
And we'd love to know where you're writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I didn't know the charisma scale went that low.
This is a trick question . . . right? Anyone who can't figure this out within 10 seconds isn't bright enough to be following the "Cafferty File." Paul Ryan's belt buckle has more charisma than Mitt Romney.
Ryan is more charismatic. Romney's a robot at best. And Ryan has almost as much as Joe Biden has in his little finger.
That's like asking who uses more Coppertone, Romney or Boehner. Coppertone has more personality.
I think everyone agrees that they're both nice guys, but Mitt is kind of an empty vessel with no ideas of his own. He'll "believe" whatever's convenient for him to believe at any given time, which is why you can find film clips of Mitt saying he's on whichever side of any issue you want.
Ryan, on the other hand, DOES have ideas of his own. Unfortunately they're all detrimental to the middle class and poor. I think it was the CBO that scored Ryan's plan: the average millionaire will get a $250,000 tax break, and the average middle class person will have to pay an EXTRA $2,500 in taxes.
And those tax changes are in addition to Ryan's spending cuts, which will gut middle class programs like Medicare and college loans.
If you're not a millionaire, it's not in your best interests to vote for Mitt and Paul.
If you ARE a millionaire, keep donating to their SuperPACs like you have been doing, and you just might be able to buy the election.
Romney + Pyan = No charisma
Neither, they both remind me of used car salesmans. Mitt tells you a different car is the best one every day, and Paul Ryan wants you and me to drive a scooter, and pay for him and his rich buddies go around in limo's.
Romney has zero charisma, but Ryan has that Popeye look and cartoon voice. Ryan wins the charisma contest with Mitt easy. Doug, Pepperell, MA.
Mitt is good-looking (especially for a man in his mid-60's!) but charisma is more than just looks. He is said to be charming in person, but in speeches and public appearances he seems to have about as much overall charisma and appeal as a sore on someone's lip.
Ryan is (considered by some) to be even better looking, but again comes across as somewhat awkward. The only time he really seems to be in his element is with prepared data and in an attacking role, and that's not exactly equated with charisma.
I guess the best answer to your question is that they both have far, far less charisma than Barack Obama, and that's what really matters.
I'm not seeing charisma, Jack. They're both easy on the eyes, which seems to be a GOP requirement, but charisma? No.
Because I remember his dogmatic and dictatorial manner, I find Rep. Ryan to be almost unbearable to look at or listen to. His agenda is tried and failed 30 years of it In Ryan, I see someone who will destroy pur government and leave us in the hands of big business (anyone kmow how we "ordinary" people can vote those guys out and what kind of representation would we have? Thus, although Romney is duplicitous and has the same goals as Ryan has, he is also bland, lies, I believe he is weak and would be ineffective. That is not charisma, but Romney is less dangerous to the future of the USA than Ryan is, so for me that will have to pass as charisma.
I'd say Paul Ryan's probably more charismatic since Romney's somewhat aloof or, at least, appears that way frequently. But then, I'd say the same thing about good old Joe Biden versus pompus and "all knowing" Obama.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
Anybody that registers at all in charisma beats Romney hands down. Ryan looks practically human, so its a no-brainer.
When everyone has been talking about what a milquetoast Romney has been in his campaign, anyone but a doorknob would have higher charisma. As Ryan is not a door know, he wins this contest hands down.
Jack,
You know Ryan has more charisma than Romney. But again that is only one more step above that of an ameoba.
When I go to vote, I don't vote for a VP or a person who has charisma. I've never met either of them but CEO's who are etch-a-sketch and Ryan types are not the answer; bigger tax cuts for the rich, more wars, and cut, cut, cut.
They both have just the right hair to claim to be heirs to the Gipper. However, both also come off as a bit swarmy and a bit awkward. Obama has them both beat. He seems comfortable in his own skin.
When a millionaire meets a millionaire roamin' in the glen... They are fruit from the same tree.
Mr. Cafferty:
Wow for Mr. Romney ! If Paul Ryan is so Charismatic why doesn't he run for President ? Moreover, you mean to suggest they have electable Charisma like the previous candidate Barack Obama? ! This counts ?
Ryan is on top of that scale Romney is just to hollow.
A Salmander could whip Willard in a charisma contest. But if Romney and Ryan were standing next to each other, and they both had to tell a actual joke, I guess Ryan would win. Still, that's going to depend more on the joke than on the candidate. Bottom line, they both are less than minimally appealing.
I guess they both nose out Rush Limbaugh.
Don't you have to have personality to be charismatic? So...........neither?
You obviously know or you wouldn't ask the question. Romney may be a special kind of fellow but it doesn't come across that way. He couldn't talk his way out of a paper bag.
Ryan has a slight edge because of age and looks, but really, they are both dull in my opinion.
I love when you throw a joke question at us. This was a good pick for Romney but this guy is going to charisma Romney off the stage!!
If the charisma scale only has two numbers on it, -1 and 0 (zero), then I would have to say Ryan wins.
To look at them, they look similar. They almost look like father and son, and their wives have the blonde all american look. To hear them speak, Paul Ryan has a much smoother and relaxed feeling before a crowd. Romney doesn't know how to relate to the average person.
Jack,
It's the eternal age old question. Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Frick and Frack, Cheech and Chong, Romney and Ryan. One comedy duo is the same as the next, you get a good laugh at both halves and then switch off the channel
Really Jack is this a trick question, if Romney has charisma it must be in one of those off shore charisma accounts.
Jack, you are back to your trick questions! The marble angel on the tombstone has more charisma than Mitt. We have yet to find out whether Ryan REALLY has any, or whether he's just another glib, but pretty, politico. I'm inclined to bet on the latter.
Martha, Rew, PA
Representative Ryan is a lightening rod and Mitt is just a rod. They'll both give us the shaft.
Paul is naturally boring but Mitt tries really hard to hide his. It's not fooling anyone.
It is difficult for me to decide which one has more charisma. It is like asking about a ventriloquists act, does the wooden dummy have more charisma than its true mouthpiece? Which which is which?
Jack, I suggest you reach for your Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, look uo the definition of "charisma", and rephrase your question.
Ryan hasn't outraged our ally England. He hasn't contradicted American foreign policy regarding Jerusalem. If he hadn't come out against Medicare and Social Security to increase military-industrial complex funding, I'd say he was looking smooth compared to Mitt.
Since you are comparing shades of black and Mitt Romney has absolutely zero charisma, it has to be Paul Ryan. At lease he has the charisma of a post-it note.
Neither has much charisma. And I can't believe Romney was in the Glee Club. Ever hear him sing "The Star Spangled Banner"?
Gosh, that one would be hard to figure out...it would take a nerd and a wonk for that question. All I can see is a couple of narcissistic Capitalist
There's no winner here Jack. They are Both two cardboard cut outs who have no empathy for the middle or lower classes.
I can't stand either one of them! They both are right wing liars who are only concerned about winning the election.
Paul Ryan has tons of charisma.
Barack Obama has more than Mitt Romney.
However we have seen what charisma and no substance has done to this country after 4 years with a celebrity in chief who would rather campaign in front of adoring crowds than actually stay in his office and work.
Charisma? Romney has none. That leaves, Ryan. He has little to none. So...the question is really a stretch. Ryan tries hard to be energetic and sincere but is really just a B Actor in his efforts. Ryan's forced exaggerated demeanor and syrupy dialog misses the mark Romney was hoping for. Sort of like a TV evangelist hawking money. His smirkiness and fake persona will bite Romney in the end...literally. Ryan came on the VP scene as too arrogant and with no empathy for concern or those Americans not pro Romney. His first solo was to insult Americans not in his pocket. He apparently he feels superior enough to ridicule his fellow Americans who do not bow to his and Romney's will. His "Cheesehead" crap will only go so far. There are other Americans just as proud not to be Cheeseheads. But he obviously takes the Texan approach that he and other Wisconsinites are superior to other state's residents. Very elitist behavior on his first day on the national scene. First impressions are extremely important and I feel he fell flat.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
These guys are awful. Like two pieces of white bread with no mustard. Isn't the question who's the biggest liar? That's Romney. Ryan's too neurotic (they don't lie).
A dozen Mitt Romneys couldn't tip the Paul Ryan charisma scale. Don't think charisma, think substance. ... Oops
It's a draw because you can't teach charisma. Ryan just took the charisma courses at the heritage foundation or whatever right wing think tank that teaches this obviously phony charisma he's displaying. Romneys family had more money, so like G.W. His charisma is more of the privileged bravado type.
Ryan period.
You mean who is least charismatic don't you Jack. Ranking them above zero assumes they already have some charisma. On a scale from 1 – 10, Ryan is a -1, while Romney is a whopping -10. Romney can't even rally a base that would drink fire before they would vote for Obama.
Who ranks higher on the charisma scale, Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan?
Oh you mean who is less dull? That's a tie!
Jenna
Roseville CA
Who ranks higher on the charisma scale, Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan?
Jack, are you saying that Paul Ryan is a Rock Star for the Republican Party like FOX NEWS? Playing what the triagle?
Jenna
Roseville CA
If I had to watch Romney talking about " cheesy grits" or trying to say " Y'all " one more time I would sell my TV.
Then he and Ryan show up wearing what appears to be the latest Republican "campaign casual" matching outfits . Whatever charisma Ryan might have, I missed. I was too busy with wardrobe flashbacks from Father Knows Best..
Neither of them moves the meter off zero.
They rank on the charisma scale about the same as the used car salesman who sells you a dried out car salvaged from a flood and never tells you about it.
Jack, I DO NOT CARE who has more charisma!
I want someone who can and cares about getting this country back on track!
If anyone thinks BO has charisma, then vote for him, but as a President he is gosh awful!
We can and must do better!
Who ranks higher on the charisma scale, Mitt Romney or Paul Ryan?
65 yr old vs. a 42 yr. old ?
Who Do You Think ?
and the third choice would be : None of the Above.
Paul Ryan. You may not like where he stands, but he does have a clear, unambiguous position on the economic issues our country faces. When you have convictions, it is easier to act with conviction. And that is charasmatic.
About as much as a robot it's the same thing time and again,same tired speech,goofy laughs and lets kill anything that might someone but let's increase military and pentagon spending so we can rule the world
Charisma? I thought it was political dogma that was in vogue these days. Last political charisma I saw was Newt Gingrich beating a dead horse.
Charisma??? Are you kidding??? Just goes to show there ARE some things that money can't buy.
Wo! I wonder how Romney will charm the head of states to accept any of his foreign policy proposal. The man is a box , in his case I rather be poor and black but have charisma and charm than be boring and square.
For one of these guys to have more then the other, they would need to, you know actually possess charm!
Ryan is more charismatic than Romney, Romney will just fire you if he doesn't like the service you provide him, he said he actually likes doing this. Ryan will smile at you and then in a nice way tell you don't deserve any help from the government in affording heath care, the cost of college, a steady retirement income (Social security) because government should stay out of people's lives ... and then he will tell you that you can't have an abortion even in cases of rape and incest because that same government CAN tell people how to run their lives when it suits his agenda. Ryan – hypocrisy with a smile.
Who cares about "charisma"? Substance is what's importance, and whatever substance the "me-team" has does nothing but harm to the average American.
Neither! They are tied a zero!!!
Romney had lots of charisma until he selected Ryan as his running mate. Now he's lost all charisma ... as well as my vote. Well played, Mitt.
Hi Jack.....Neither of them have charisma, but the biggest question is do they have integrity and credibility. I think they are lacking in both of those catagories. We seem to be going back to the secrecy of the Bush era. They both won't release more than 2 years of tax returns, what are they hiding??? Where is the transparancy?? Romney is a flip flopper, big time, who panders (openly) to the base that he needs. So tired of Romney, and soon to be tired of "mini-me".
Not sure who wins this contest (of charisma between Romney and Ryan), but Ryan surely has lent some conservative creds to the ticket. And some believability – as Ryan has not typically been a 'flip-flopper' over time. Also, Ryan is the 'brains' of the GOP while still being a social conservative – something that Romney desperately needed. Romney's 'bold' move really helped out his campaign among conservatives, and will undoubtedly breathe some much needed life into his venture. Not sure if it's enough to get him over the top, but he's a lot closer with a guy like Ryan at his side.
And yes, conservatives are sick of being pegged as not caring about the poor. Is it more caring to try to force the country to live within it's means or to let it go until there's no money for the needy and we're all in really big trouble? Plus, privatizing Social Security is an issue the poor should be for (as many conservatives are). Why? Because the poor and minorities live shorter lives than their white, middle class counterparts. So they inherently get less out of SS than wealthier people do. If we all owned our SS monies, the poor would be ahead, not losing those benefits to an earlier death. Their heirs would be able to build wealth with the monies saved by their ancestors. As it stands now, the poor are kept that way by a system that inherently discriminates against them. So who doesn't care about the poor now?
I'm not sure I agree with the ideology of Romney or Ryan. But in terms of personality, the GOP would have been much farther ahead to simply nominate Ryan and leave Romney out of it.
Jack, Mr Barack Charisma has racked up $5 trillion in new debt; kept unemployment above 8%; and has done nothing to fix the deficit, Social Security, Medicare; or anything else. Give me a smart businessman like Romney and a young bright energetic guy like Ryan who is not afraid to tackle the really big issues, including that third rail of social security and medicaid, boith of which are going broke. So there is a choice in November – Charisma and status quo for 4 more years; or not so much showmanship and sound bytes, but real solutions for real problems.
Both are the embodiment of cream cheese (no offense to cream cheese). Zeros both of them personality and likeability wise. Both are out of touch with what "real" people want and need, and if elected this country will be worse off than we are now.
Seen more charisma in a loaf of bread.
Jack,
Both looked like jokers. Mitt can not speak a sentence without making us embarassed infront of the whole world! Are we voting for a President or for the VP? They both look dishonest, mean and wishy washy and I won't trust them with my bank account. They are both heading the country in the wrong path.......Mitt was afraid of the tea party people.........so he got one to speak to them on his behalf.
I am an independant. Obama or no one else will get my vote or my family members votes........
Pop and clamor has really worked out. Sorry Jack but this is not dancing with the stars. Obama became a media darling and the nation has paid for it the economy under him has not improved unemployment is still way too high and the tone in Washington is as bad as it has ever been. We voted for a man who was way in over his head and still is enough with the pop star president. Hope and Change? you bet I hope for change come Nov.
Tom..You better do some homework if you think Ryan is not against Medicare and Social Security. No that it has anything to do with 'charisma"
I have a hard time understanding how any candidate will make a difference in my life. My core belief is all candidates lie to get elected and then lie some more once elected. Sigh! I will vote but without much enthusiasm. Ryan and Romney could win a look-alike contest.
Karen from Maine
Romney and Ryan are like two "Ken" dolls with as much personality as the plastic from which they are molded!!
Jack, neither one has divinely conferred gift, they both believe in keeping a boot on the throat of middle and lower class. They both have a reptilian repulsivness to me.
If by charisma you mean a president who smokes pot, has a cool factor and a mysterious past, then we've already got that and he's brought the US enormous debt and ruined the sterling reputation of our country with his shameful apology tour around the world. I pray this cool cat is voted out of office in November!
I don't give a damn about charisma Romney will be calling the shots. As far as I am concerned it only secures my vote for Obama. I am a retired citizen who depends on Medicare and social security and these two guys have no concerns whatsoever about me. They will use me and others like me as a stepping stool to help raise the wealth of the 1%.
It's zero vs. zero, Jack. When those two guys stand side by side it creates a charisma vortex.
Of course Paul Ryan does. But here is the thing you have a rich rich guy in Romney because he worked as a businessman and knows the ins and outs of business and the proof? Salt Lake City Winter Olympics were a shambles when he took over the helm and had a very short time to get them out of the red. They ended up in the black. He knows his stuff. Paul Ryan another well off guy and he went to school for economics and some of the smartest people in the country yes republican congress put him at the head of the Finance committee and always has the ears of the President no matter if he works on the otherside of the aisle or not. We have a clear choice two guys who have rocked the scales in business and economics? Or two guys who barely have 10% of the experience the other two guys have? Yeah my brother and I both lost our jobs and both Obama Supporters until 2010 when my brother a vet committed suicide because he lost his job and almost lost his home and I almost lost my home. These times for my brother and I both were the hardest times in our lives with a family. He can no longer vote but I know if he could he would switch sides and vote Republican this time. We need people to transform our country and Romney and Ryan will do that. I dont need to see tax returns because I dont care about them I see rich guys because they were smart and know what they are doing. I dont want someone who will just let me float in the water but save me from drowning RnR will do that come November.
Even a potato would beat Romney on Charisma and Ryan definitely has more charisma than a potato.
You've got to figure that one of his criteria for veep had to be someone who wouldn't upstage him. (Consider Christie or Rubio in that role. Romney would disappear into the background.) And given that Romney has the personal charisma of cellophane, that set the bar pretty low. Hence, Ryan. Puzzling pick, really. I think he'll prove to be Romney's Palin–a poison pill for independent voters.
Who has more charisma – Romney or Ryan. That is kind of like asking me if I can get closer to the sun by jumping or standing on a chair.
Charisma...divinely conferred attractiveness and charm which enables one to inspire great devotion in a large audience. These two have none of the above qualities.
Two insensitive robots who will trash the middle class and senior citizens.
does'nt matter, either way they LOSE.
They both score quite low on the 10-point Kerry-Palin charisma scale. However, if I was about to be introduced to the world as the next Vice President of the United States, I'd wear a tie.
Charisma? Ryan has all the charisma of a snake oil salesman. Romney has all the charisma of Al Gore. Maybe if he loosened up a bit. I can't decide. May I have another choice, like Huntsman?
I'd have to say Ryan, but it's like saying which is more energetic, a sleeping dog or a sleeping cat. Neither of them rate much higher than snoring on the excitement scale.
When charisma is that low, it can't be ranked.
Hmmmm Romney or Ryan. Actually the local skunk has better charisma, and he is cute. All 3 smell pretty bad.
Not really a terribly important qualirty – whatever you mean by charisma. Adolf Hitler was charismatic, after all – far more so than either 'publican candidate. Intelligence, the experience of working for a living, a quantitative education, like enginneering, math, or quantitativescience – all of these would by important qualities and qulifications for a modern leader- but, sadly, you don't find them in political candidates, media employees, business executives, celebrities, and other such trash that attracts so much attnetion in this profoundly anti-intellectual nation.
Ryan is more charismatic but he's also smart as Romney is smart. The combination of these two qualities along with the political nerve to actually do something trumps obama's only quality which is charisma. I hope the people will listen to the truth of Romney's plans and not fall for the lies from the left about medicare. The plan is broke and even though Romney's plan isn't the same as the one Ryan proposed, people should know that Ryan's plan offered a choice and the ability to stay on the old plan. No one will be forced into anything. Im nearly medicare age and I hope that the current plan is OUT. It scares me... the physicians refuse to take it, many common drugs are not covered as well as many types of care and we have to buy expensive supplemental plans to fill in the gap that medicare won't cover. I say...good for the charismatic guy from Wisconsin.
Jack,
That dull gray battleship in the background has them both beat
Jim
Reno, Nevada
Who cares how Charismatic one is over the other. How shallow have we become that this is the focus for our leaders. I want someone who is competent for the job.
Romney and Ryan both have about as much charisma as a weasel in a hen house. Ask the farmer or the chickens and the answer is the same. They are both bad news.
It is Romney ! For making the same mistake as John McCain despite knowing the results of November 2008 !
Mr. Jack – you must be running out of things to write about. I don't even know why I read your writings. Neither one of these guys has what it take to be in the White House. You know it , I know it, and most Americans know it. Charisma is nowhere to be found with either one of these guys. They are political game players and do not have the American people's best interest in mind. I really think they are both being obdurate towards others and their arrogance shows. The GOP has no ones other than these two. It is quite sad. All the GOP is doing dragging American down. It is very sad.
We have somebody that was supposed to be "charismatic" in the White House and look where that has gotten us. This country is in real trouble fiscally. Thus, everybody needs to start thinking about leadership and competence instead of charisma to get us out of the mess we are in.
None of them turn me on, but from what I hear from the younger folks, Ryan is higher on the charisma. They like that he works out and promises to do something. I try and point out that he has been in office since 1998 and is part of the problem in Congress not the solution. From Portland,Oregon
The USS Wisconsin is a WWII battleship.
The future of the United States of America hangs in the balance and Jack is wondering who has the most charisma. Are we tuned into the Comedy News Network?
No sentient being would every fall for this!
Ryan wins the charisma game. He speaks eloquently and seems to know what he's talking about. Romney speaks and you wait for the ooops! Shouldn't have said that one... Remember when Ryan was introduced as the next president of the United States? Romney's charisma needs a bit of polishing. Don't you think?
Not a pinch of charisma between the two, I have to switch TV channel when I see one or the other on the screen. They are the most boring two men I have ever seen .
Ryan definitely is the one with charisma and eloquence. As was the case with Sarah Palin and McCain, he will continue to overshadow and upstage Romney to the end. Like McCain, Romney was losing ground in the polls and decided to choose a charismatic politician to enthuse the base. In my opinion, it was the wrong move and it will cost him the White House once voters learn specifics of both Romney's and Ryan's budget plans. After all, birds of a feather flock together.
Sorry, I don't care about charisma, only results. What has Obama's charisma produced?
The what scale, did you say charisma ? Don't need at least a dash of it to be actually on the scale? Trying to decide who has more of zip is an impossible task. It's like asking who has the biggest zero.
Dave from NH.
only Americans look for Rock Stars for political leaders. Wouldn't you want someone who knows numbers, not flashy or impulsive. For goodness sake, stop making everything into a bid to be entertained!
I want decency – something both Romney and Ryan have. Leave the supposed charisma to used car salespeople, Obama and Biden.
Yet they are both carbon copy clones of GW Bush. Like we need any more of that!
Black pants, white shirts and perfectly pomaded hair – stiff Republican Kens to go with all the stiff Republican Barbies. Both have about as much charisma as a couple of door to door Mormon Missionairies – just give them bicycles!
If you watch these 2 guys, we have seen them before. You really have to watch. This morning it hit me, where I have seen these guys before, they are Batman & Robin, a wealthy businessman trying to save Gotham, along with a younger, very bright, nimble partner. May sound crazy, I do not think so.....Batman & Robin will come to the rescue as announced yesterday......I am jacked about these guys
Charisma? OK, sure it would be nice to get some with the package deal.
But how about character Jack, isn't that a lot more important? If they had character I would vote for them (they don't, and I won't).
Charisma without character ain't worth a dime.
I don't think either one of them has "charisma", as if I'd use "charisma" as a measuring stick or for guidance re whether to vote Republican come November. I look at their beliefs and what they say they will do. Tweedle Dee/Romney has no beliefs. He believes whatever he thinks will win him voters, and if he changes his mind more often and faster than a teenage girl changes clothes, he doesn't care. Tweedle Dum/Ryan is just plain scary. He's a devotee of Ayn Rand and wants to implement her creepy, self-serving philosophy to the detriment of the vast majority of people in this country. I just don't get Ryan–he and other tea party members and radical republicans claim to be voice of maturity, of fiscal responsibility, of traditional values, yada yada yada. But.....look at Ryan's record. He voted for the Bush tax cuts. He voted to go along with Bush and start two foreign wars, putting the cost of the wars on a credit card, to be paid for sometime in the future. He voted for Bush's Medicare part D, which is also unfunded. His budget proposal (loved overwhelmingly by Republicans) would gut Social Security, end Medicare and Medicaid, while giving even BIGGER tax cuts to the top 1%. This doesn't make any sense. How can you proclaim that you are balancing the budget if you're giving away more money to the wealthy? And targeting these programs, which are NOT entitlements but are programs that working Americans have paid into their entire working lives, only shows how little he concerns himself with people who work for a living.
Charisma? Ha! Hitler was charismatic–and look what a lunatic he turned out to be. Nor does Ryan appeal to me, and Independent female voter. And yes, I was raised Catholic, and Ryan's proposals and belief system is as far from Catholicism as fascism is.
Which is more charismatic? One is a martian robot with no understanding of real humans, the other is Eddie Munster.
At least Eddie Munster acts human, though his programs tend to leave us starving in the cold. Between these two charisma is nonexistant.
Liars and elitists intent on destroying 50 years of progress and destroying the lower and middle classes for the sake of the wealthy don't have charisma.
I'd rather have compentence than charisma.
Obama has charisma, but has proved to be a failure as President.
Unfortunately, with our celebrity crazed culture, the incompetent, charismatic one just might win re-election.
Dull and Duller.
What Charisma? Like the Romney budget it can't be scored. The two least interesting people in the political world . The thought of seeing these two daily for 4 years is like nails on a blackboard.
Romney-Ryan, when the going gets tough the rich screw everyone.
Romney-Ryan, bringing you another G.W. Bush disaster
Romney-Ryan, when religion, politics and really wealthy people mix
Romeny-Ryan, because they care enough to dismantel any program that actually helps people
Romney-Ryan, because God lives on plante Kolob and living in the gym makes me happy
Who has more charisma? I'll go with option 3. A loaf of bread.
neither have,they are GOP Robots programmed to insult your intelligence,ride the working and middle class to death,support the koch brothers,bomb someone or something if they get onto power,enforce their doctrine of right wing bible theocracy and generally give the american people a horrid time.But the question posed is like asking does palin have intelligence?
I believe Mitt made the wrong choice. He should have picked the Governor of Virginia. On a 1-10 scale, both these men are about a 5.
Romney seems like a fake. Ryan seems like a jerk that lives in office. How is that?
They look like Herman and Eddie Munster, scary not charismatic
That's like asking someone which shoe is more important to them, the right shoe or the left shoe. These guys have the charm of elephant in a china closet, about to break everything that took many to build. Sad day when these two are the best candidates the Republicans can put up. Charm? My oatmeal has more charm then both of them combined.
Jack, It's pretty easy. I'd rank (noun) the charisma of both Romney and Ryan as rank (adjective).
A blind leading a blind.
Astounding that Cafferty is fixated on charisma and cute entertainment, while the country goes down the tubes and Obama does his little songs and dances. We've become a country of "Bloomin' Idiots"
That's a tough one. I find them both sexy. I guess I'll go with Ryan.
Mitt comes accross as phoney. I haven't seen much of Paul but he seems like a pleasant person. Unfortunately, his positions are so anti- people, its hard to see anything but hatred.
And who ranks higher on the seriousness scale...Paris Hilton or Sarah Palin?
Ridiculous question. Romney does not possess an actual personality. Ryan appears to have bought his from Donald Trump.
Our country has SERIOUS financial, economic, social, structural, and ideological problems. And we're worrying about which candidate has more charisma?!?
JFK had charisma; supposedly people voted for Bush II not because he was smart (he wasn't) but because he was likeable. Bill Clinton has charisma. It's more than just looks and youth, although those attributes help. But not all Americans are shallow, and some of us look at character, at morals, at ethics. Ryan is a Catholic, but his beliefs and actions are a reverse Robin Hood–his plan will rob from the poor (and middle class) and give even more to the rich. Ryan has never held a job in the private sector–he's spent his entire adult working life in the federal government. Isn't this one of Romney's biggest criticisms of Obama? So I think Romney's being a hypocrite (this is his character) by selecting someone who has the exact background of the person he despises and lies about.
Ryan is truly frightening. If he gets in and gets to ram his "I love Ayn Rand" policies, that will be final nail in the coffin of the great experiment known as the United States of America. Ryan reminds me a little of the actor Peter Wingfield, only the difference is that Wingfield is a actor and plays roles that don't do any harm. Ryan is harmful to America.
Neither have any charisma ,where they chose to give the vp speech is very telling to me, in front of a battleship,guess that means here we come Iran. If we are broke where are they going to get the money to pay for that?
So, in reality the question is do you prefer *Ryanhood* or "Romneyhood". They collectively have the personallity of the sheriff of Nottingham or *He who can not be named" from the Harry Potter series.
You can see where "charisma" has gotten us – in a very deep dirty hole –
this is our last best hope to climb out of it – the sanity of the non-charismatic!
Neither have any charisma. Where they gave the vp speech is very telling to me right in front of a battleship,guess that means here we come Iran, if we are broke wonder where they are going to get the money to pay for that
Ryan has unbelievable charisma. All of my Dem female friends are salivating over him!
Charisma is woefully over-rate. It was voted in for president in 2008 without experience or economic understanding to back it up : Look what happened.
Romney is a typical SQUARED RIGID MORMON without personality.
Paul Ryan is the kid in kindergarden who will do anything to please anyone who is watching him, but after a while, everybody realized that they are watching a kid's play...
They both are the same...nothing fresh.
Jack, who cares about charisma?They are promising to fix America? They are the ones who helped bring it down just to make the POTUS a one termer,and set him up to fail in the first place!
Neither has real charisma to the generaql public. They cater only to the far right. Willard does not even know how middle class feel, are living there lives. Ryan only wants to push his policies which we hope will be only out the DOOR, but first they have to win and I do not see this happening.
Question which one is running for president, Romney has no plan, all you hear is Ryan plans to kill the middle class
so is that the massage, Romney pick Ryan because it would created a distraction, so he would not have to produce
tax returns
Please allow me to rephrase your question; "Who do you think has a more charismatic personality, the Ax Man or the Tax Man?"
George Bush got on an aircraft carrier with the banner, "Mission Accomplished" , Romney's banner should say "Game over, Palin in 2016" These guys have all the charisma of vanilla icecream.
This is a rhetorical question right Jack?
Jack, are you SERIOUS?!!! They both make me PUKE!!!
Charisma? Is that what you're calling BS now?
Asking "Who ranks higher on the charisma scale" of these two dimensional candidates that offer catchy slogans with fuzzy details on cutting spending instead of practical workable solutions, is like asking me whether I want paper or plastic at the grocery store when what I really want to know is what they have in the "bag" to help fix the economy......besides tax cuts for the rich and spending cuts for everyone else...
Jack: Paul Ryan has more charisma than Mitt Romney, because he has been blowing smoke up skirts longer. Paul Ryan's House Budget is the only stupid thing he's done wrong. The Republicans do not like Ryan's ideas on Medicare. Paul Ryan's best asset is his appeal to the conservative base of the Republican Party. Independents and moderates do not like Ryan's screw the middle class, and give all the tax cuts to the very rich mentality. We have had enough Voodoo economics.
They have charisma? I never knew that!
Which one exactly is supposed to have charisma?
Does it really matter? I don’t care if they’re the most boring two people on earth. We chose Mr. Charisma over substance in 2008 and see what that’s gotten us. As long as they have something to bring to the table we as a nation will be much better off.
The universe is carefully balanced, light and dark, hot and cold, matter and anti-matter. We also have charisma (Obama-Biden) and anti-charisma (Romney-Ryan). Should the two forces occupy the same space at the same time it could be the end of life as we know it.
In my mindd neither do, but, like him or not, Paul Ryan has brought a stimulating touch to the campaign. Obama had tremendous charisma when he ran four years ago, but don't believe he is musting up the same amount of it this time around. Should make for an interesting albeit challenging three months ahead. Just yesterday I heard a commentary which said that regardless of which candidate wins at the polls, the real winners will be the number crunchers, as they are the ones that really rule the world.
Nobody likes brown nosers, even in the pea world. No split, Mitt is the top seed.
This is the kind of question that detracts and deflects...................from the REAL issues and the REAL problems facing America today. We have all been duped into thinking charisma is vital or important in selecting a president, mainly for two reasons. First, it's all we look at because entertainment has taken over as the number ONE priority in American's lives and second, all we have in the current impostor of a president is charisma. Zero substance, zero experience, and zero knowledge of the free enterprise system................the lifeblood of real jobs.
Ignorance abounds.
"Charismatic Republican" is a complete contradiction in terms.
Paul Ryan is the more charismatic which will draw in the crowd and yet, seems somewhat plastic. He is overshadowing Romney, which contrary to what others are saying, I think Romney wanted. I think he wanted a diversion from the previous narrative and some say he has it. I think it emphasizes Romney's weakness as a conservative.
Aj – HCM – On a scale of 1-10 they're both at 5.
Look at the past 60 years and the four most charismatic Candidates. JFK, Reagan, Clinton and Obama. That as much as anything will defeat Romney & Ryan. Charisma, Presence, Oratory, win out over the arguments. Unfortunately for Romney & Ryan, Obama owns the arguments also. Obama will have Romney & Ryan as toast with his breakfast in November.
It was in front of a BATTLESHIP, Jack, not on an AIRCRAFTCARRIER.
Charisma? Bush's "Mission Accomplished" banner had ten times the charisma of Rolls and Royce... err, Romney and Ryan.
Romney Ryan, these two guys can't wait to finish the job Bush started. This horrific two party system only gives us two ways to fix the economic problems that plague our nation. Surely we are not to believe that a third party is impossible like the two parties would like us to believe. We have the power to change and we are not even considering it. This election if we choose could reshape our politics for the future. Choosing between the same old two choices that have already failed makes no sense. So why not explore a future of tommorrow, and stop exploring the bad choices of the past?
Unless Romney is the greatest actor we have ever seen. It's Paul Ryan by a mile.The thing is, Romney has bigger problems then just charisma. Many Americans don't trust him, because governor Governor Romney isn't the same as Presidential candidate Romney. Romney's lack of solid political beliefs or his tax issues that he refuses to release, are bigger issues for me, then if he has charisma or not. Charisma won't save us in the end.
Gee, Jack, I thought this was yesterday's question.
I think the charisma factor does not apply to the GOP presidential candidates. They're kind of like lemon Jell-o or lemon jell-o Jr.
Obama had the charisma and look how he has destroyed our great country. I will take the low key and sensible person anyday over the charismatic person we call our president. Romney/Paul in November/12!!!!!! At least they know what they are doing unlike Obama who is just a fake.
Neither. Enough said.
I use to think Mitt Romney use to rank pretty high on the charisma scale but since his pick of Paul Ryan as VP I'm disgusted to see him speak.
Neither of them have any charisma and it's difficult for me to listen to Mitt Romney since he's a liar.
Uh, my math is a little weak. Which is higher, -5 or -10?
"Charisma?? Can't do it. Who's got the Pull? I would have to go with Romney, as he is the most industious, and even insects know how to build for the future. I know nothing about Ryan, other than what is being thrown out now?? Not months ago, or even weeks. All I feel from what I've learned in the past four years, is that this choice is so far out of touch with the average; nine to five shift."
Sorry dude – Ryan and Romney together have the charisma of say, a wet noodle. Apart, the charisma of cat litter (used). Vote for them if you want govt for the rich and by the rich!
There's no question that Congressman Ryan ranks higher in charisma than Governor Romney. That said, Congressman Ryan's first speech as the Governor's running mate wasn't special in that the Congressman was sloppy. Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan want to play the "Air Force One" theme song, but they don't sound as strong as the music, do they?
Seriously are we suffering from dimentia? Ryan comes from the same Charismatic congrees with a 17 percent approval rating. Really this is Romneys best choice for a running mate?
Neither has any. It's sad to think that out of a population of over 300,000,000, even a group as dysfunctional as the republiscum party can't come up with anyone better than these two clowns. They could have all the charisma in the world but their character and policy flaws would overwhelm that.
Jack,
They're about tied, but both are soundly beaten by Miss Piggy.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
"Charisma" is a spiritual attribute, not a physical one. Both of these are spiritually bankrupt.
I think both are somewhat lacking in charisma, but I don't care. This country has enough "charisma" in our leadership... too much. Do we need "charisma" in the highest elected office or balanced budgets... hell, a budget for that matter.
Why does charisma matter in a presidential election? Look at every candidate's proposed budget, see who cuts the most spending, and give that candidate the most coverage. It's that simple.
That's like asking Which........Door Knob is Shinier!
This is an easy one....Paul Ryan is the good looking one with charisma while Romney is a typical Mormon stern look without persnality.
Havng said that, the difference between Paul Ryan and Sarah Palin is "Lipstick"...so he won't last either despite with the charm..it goes no where unless he stays home and study the foregn poicy every day otherwise the debate he has with Joe Biden will make him a laughing stalk.
Susan – Laguna Hills
I like both of them but I think Ryan will not put his foot in his mouth like Mitt does, I think Mitt puts his mouth in gear before his brain is in gear.
But whoever gets in office will have the same do-nothing Congress and Senate in both parties they will just continue to argue and fight and block each other.
Romney, Only because he hasn't paid Taxes in TEN Years. Aside from that, they are both prissy individuals ready to steal from the Average Joe, whenever it means more dollars to themselves or their backers. 9 PM CENTRAL TIME ZONE, is when they'll be calling this election for Obama, if were lucky 9pm Eastern.
Who cares? What we need now is competence, not charisma.....
Ryan is more charasmatic, but that could only be because I haven't yet had enough time to become sick of him. Ask me in another week Jack.
reading off a teleprompter = charisma. thanks CNN.
"Who ranks higher on the charisma scale?" How about neither? You can't get higher than a base-level!
Im not sure a device exists to measure quantities that small.
I'm not sure either one would make the scale
Honestly Romney has the charisma of a wet mop and with his little brown noser VP choice, well there isn't much difference.
You confuse your viewers with some imaginary group that really cares Jack.
They are both equal....at zero!
It's a dead heat... emphasis on "dead"! Both are lacking individuality. They are both Stepfordesque!
Jack, 0 + 0 is still 0
It's your question Jack so I will give you an answer. Ryan has Romney beat by a hair as far as charisma goes but once you break Ryan down he has basically the same credentials as Obama had. None. Yes the man has spent 6 terms in congress but if you look at how this last congress rated then that is not saying much.
Neither... My dog Gunner has more class, character, and charisma then either of those two!
Who has more charisma, between Romney and Ryan? A pet rock.
Good evening Jack,
of'course Paul Ryans' charisma is greater, that's the idea, but make not mistake that as they go on winning this election with no doubts, Mitt Romneys' charisma will confidently flourish indefinitely just as we all can clearly see it happening now.
Luis
Of course Paul Ryan has more charisma than Mitt Romney. A white wall has more charisma than Willard Mitt Romney. The GOP probably wishes Paul Ryan was the nominee, not the vice president candidate.
We have charisma in the office now and everywhere he goes he just offers more ice cream to whomever he is speaking to. Maybe it is time we had something different in the White House that would offer meat & potatoes to people.
Are you kidding? Paul Ryan. Have you heard Romney singing the last month in Obama's ad?
If you ignore the horrible ideas behind the charisma, Ryan would win ... but that is essentially standing tall in munchkin land.
Ryan sure ranks higher on a scale that starts from the negatives.
Why dont you guys deal with serious issues like how to solve the looming entitlement problem or how to enable our economy to create jobs. Let's get serious on this very serious election. Our nation is at stake.
c. The dish towel.
Jack has more charisma in his little finger than Romney and Ryan combined.
A white wall has more charisma than Mitt Romney.
Barack Obama's little finger!
Besides you Jack? Well a nice smile and a twinkle in the eye only goes so far. Just listen to this duo and their plan and it doesn't matter what charisma they have or don't have.
Charisma is a greek word that means "Gift of Grace" and i dont see any grace in those two,.
On a scale of 0 to 10. Ryan: MINUS 4; Romney, MINUS 2!
A banana slug has more charisma than both of them put together.
So, they are both easy on the eyes, but the last Presidential candidate to have charisma was JFK and look what
a horrible prez he turned out to be (womanizer, Bay of Pigs, Castro debacle, RFK, etc.) I'm disgusted with ALL career politicians, so haven't made up my mind yet.
It is hard to think of charisma knowing the lack of caring for others that's in their hearts. I find the lack of respect for your fellow countrymen wipes out any and all possible charisma.
candidates always choose someone who will make them look better. Mitt is more handsome and charisma wise... that fades quickly with the thought of a ryan presidency heaven forbide anything happen to Mitt.
I'll take brains over charisma any day. "Plugs" and "Big Ears" were deemed to have charisma and look at the mess they have created.
Neither. You could put both of these guys in a paper bag that has more charisma, shake it up and you wouldn't know which one would fall out, let alone care.
Besides, they're both creepy and uncaring rich kids whom think that since they are wealthy they are hence entitled to whatever government job they want, like the Presidency.
Too bad there isn't a way for them both to experience REAL LIFE like the character Louis from the movie "Trading Places."
Isn't "charisma" some type of goat? Oh no, that's "chimera"! My bad. Well, on the "chimera" scale they have the requisite qualities: body like a lion, head like a goat, and tail like a serpent. It's all a matter of which part of the body is doing the talking...
Richard in Costa Rica
Charisma for Mitt & Ryan is comparable to that of a flat iron!
Of course Ryan ,Mitt is dull as sand and boring as watching water boil and has no idea about "real life" . Ryan will give some much needed poof and realism to the campaign for those that like his politics, which I do not . As a women and a senior , do not think these two have my best interest at heart! But at least it will be more interesting to watch in the next 2 mos !!
Throughout high school and college, I was taught America was a melting pot. The R&R ticket turns everything I have learned about the "land of opportunity" upside down. R&R can only sell charisma. My question is, where does Romney rank on the tax scale?
Romney and Ryan are about as charismatic as two roaches on bug spray. Hard to say which one is more likeable.
Jack they are both tools! Who cares.. They sure don't care about us!
(Correction – adding City)
Neither, the only being with any appeal or charisma is the late Seamus, bless his soul!
Mitt Romney ranks higher on the charisma scale, only because he seems to try too hard while everything about him actually seems fake. Paul Ryan seems to not care what others think but still seems like a pleasant individual.
Dear Jack.......fyi, the USS Wisconsin where Romney announced Ryan as VP is a battleship, not an aircraft carrier.....
Charisma means a different thing to Aliens. They are both vegetables with different water contents, but not enough to put a smile on anyone's face.
Sorry Jack, Neither has any charisma. In fact the last president that made the chart at all was President Clinton, and he was off the chart with charisma, not to mention intelligence, reason and the willingness to work for the good of ALL Americans.
Unfortunately the rigidity of Republicans is anti-charismatic. This attitude of "my way or the highway" and no compromise on anything makes for very unattractive personalities. They have no room for any other opinions beyond their conservative, self-interest platform.
Obama has more charisma than both, but lacks in results.
Jack, do you really need to ask this question. The answer "charisma that does not exsit with those two clowns. They are the two misfits. Oh boy ! watch out American's if they get elected.
They both have no charisma there are as boring as toast.
Both are low, but Romney is lower.
We only know he is not made of wood because his nose doesn't grow and hit the microphone at campaign stops.
Ryan probably has more "charisma" than Romney, since he is a more forceful speaker. But if you want big-time charisma, the ability to electrify a crowd and win overwhelming support of an entire nation, no one can beat Hitler.
Instead of giving us mindless chatter, like "all businesses and rich people are evil" or "all government is bad," let's hope that both sides will start providing meaningful messages that can withstand thoughtful consideration, and will move the country in a better direction.
Being charismatic is a political term that has two definitions: unreal and real. IF Mitt wins out, charisma means mysterious ways. If Paul is more charismatic, then mathematic formulas will win out over any unreal dream.
Definitely it has to be Paul Ryan , jack . Mitty doesn't have charisma as so Obum-a
If charisma was negative, it would be Romney, I can't stand that condescending smile of his, for me, it speaks volumes.
The greater charisma depends whether you like the corporate weasel (lives by sucking blood from live things) who began Bain with the filthy lucre of the Somoza dictatorship, or the congressional insider trader who made his stock moves the same day he attended Fed briefings, also the mixed-up wingnut who scored billions in federal largesse for his district through earmarks. In appearance, they are both blah, and you like them less (by the polls) the more you see them. Dit you say charismatic or abysmatic?
St Charles,Mo – Unless utter banality is the only criteria for making the charisma scale they aren't going to make it. Perhaps they should change their hair gel; their politics certainly are not the ticket.
Simply Neither
Charisma- strenght of character, well let's see compared to Mr. Obama who lacks greatly in that definition. I think Romney/Ryan are just fine!
I'm sure charisma may not be a good way of describing either one of these guys high school experience. These B.M.O.C. (big men on campus) "wannabees", while good students, probably had limited contact with the majority of their classmates. Certainly, not the "shop" kids or "commercial" kids and definitely no the " nerdy" or poor kids. When I go back to my Michigan high school for a reunion, I talk to and know most of the fellow classmates in my class of 172.....50 years ago. Can either of these gentlemen say that ?
That's like asking me to choose between Vanilla & Vanilla Bean ice cream. Neither one really looks or tastes all that different but if I had to pick, well then ... Vanilla Bean, I guess? So which candidate is "Vanilla Bean"; does it really matter? My point exactly...
We see where so-called "charisma" got us – dug us into a really deep one and will get a lot deeper and covered up unless sanity is elected. Folks can howl and weep all they want to that it's "someone else's fault" – but the current charisma made it so much worse – jobs, economy – the whole thing.
A nutcase policy wonk and a micromanager? What charisma would you be thinking of?