Too lumpy to lead?

According to an article in the New York Times, the Democratic governor of New Jersey has very subtly made a campaign issue out of the size of his Republican opponent’s waistline.

The intent (allegedly) is to activate unconscious negative frames for people who are obese.  And, according to polls, it is working.

I had two reactions when I read this:

1)      Brilliant marketing

2)      Morally dubious

Malcolm Gladwell discusses this topic in his book Blink.  Before television and film, the United States elected some fine Presidents who were bald, obese, and generally goofy-looking.

Being elected to high office today seems to be very difficult if you don’t look the part.