The "Charisma" Question

SheelaNG

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Monday November 08, 2004 · 11:30 AM PST

2004/11/08 · 11:30

In the autopsy of this election, charisma emerges as an important ingredient. John Kerry doesn't have it. Bill Clinton has it. Barack Obama: Oh Yeah! We know it when we see it. Is it crucial? Is it enough?

Let's look at this in terms of Max Weber's typology of power. He outlines three sources of authority:

Traditional: Exercising authority based on traditional values, social ties of family, a nation's mythology, etc.
Rational / Legal: Authority based on democracy. Law. A person is empowered by the office, not personal power.
Charismatic: Irrational. Inspiring. Powerful, attractive, and fascinating beyond reason. Charismatic leaders get let off the hook for their failings because we find it endearing that they're "just like us!"

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