Can Obama Win It on Likability?

Can Obama Win It on Likability?

A version of this column appeared originally in THE DAILY BEAST

Will Barack Obama’s innate likability turn out to be the decisive factor that keeps him in the White House?

Several polls suggest that the president’s biggest advantage over Mitt Romney involves the strong tendency of Americans to see him as more friendly, accessible, and personally appealing than his GOP challenger. Even with dark clouds surrounding the economy and highly energized, well-funded conservatives preparing to storm the seat of power, Obama strategists view Fortress Likability as the final, secure stronghold that will deliver them from all electoral dangers....