The teenager seemed eager to pose a sincere question to the Florida governor. “I can’t legally vote,” the 15-year-old told Ron DeSantis at an Iowa coffee shop. “It’s never stopped the other party from not letting you vote,” DeSantis interjected with a remark that was both confusing and unfunny. It appears he was trying to suggest that Democrats allow 15-year-olds to vote illegally. Regardless, this attempt at humor fell flat, especially when considering the second part of the teen’s statement: “But I struggle with major depressive disorder.” Ouch.
This awkward exchange was not an isolated incident. On the campaign trail, DeSantis often appears disinterested and impatient, as if he’s counting down the seconds until he can check his phone. He dryly commented on a child’s sugary drink and told a crowd that it was past his bedtime. When a reporter asked him why he wasn’t taking questions, he responded with a rude remark. He has an odd laugh that abruptly transitions into an impatient attitude. He even misses opportunities to show empathy, such as when an elderly veteran struggled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at his inauguration, and DeSantis stood motionless and stern instead of offering assistance.
Although I don’t agree with DeSantis’s policies, I can relate to his demeanor: annoyed, tactless, and socially awkward. The New Yorker described him as aloof and someone who struggles to engage in conversations. He reportedly prefers wearing earbuds to avoid interacting with people. During debate preparations, he was even advised to write a reminder on his legal pad: “LIKABLE.”
It’s no secret that DeSantis’s awkwardness hinders him, as it does for other awkward candidates. However, the fact that voters place so much importance on a candidate’s smoothness is peculiar. Awkwardness isn’t inherently bad; most of us have experienced it at some point in our lives. In fact, some of the most successful business leaders, like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, have a robotic quality about them. Yet, we hold presidential candidates to a different standard when it comes to social skills.
It’s not just Democrats who find DeSantis socially awkward. According to Whit Ayres, the president of North Star Opinion Research, which polled for DeSantis in 2018, “Ron DeSantis’s problem is that he finds it very difficult to work with people or make people feel appreciated.” Sarah Longwell, a pollster who conducts focus groups of former Trump voters, revealed that participants described DeSantis as “wooden.” Others simply considered him “fine.” Interestingly, when discussing alternative candidates to Trump, no one in Longwell’s focus groups mentioned DeSantis.
DeSantis is just another name on the long list of candidates who struggle to overcome their awkwardness. Some candidates bring this upon themselves, like Jeb Bush and his infamous plea for applause. Others, such as Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton, grapple with their attempts at connection. However, even candidates who are not at fault for their awkwardness still suffer the consequences. Howard Dean’s famous hollering incident during a rally and John Kerry’s unfortunate windsurfing adventure are examples of how even trivial moments can negatively impact a candidate’s image.
Awkwardness hasn’t always been a deal-breaker for presidential candidates. Richard Nixon, despite his lack of charm, managed to get elected twice. However, it appears to be less forgiving in the context of presidential elections. Michael Dukakis, a competent Massachusetts governor, lost to George H. W. Bush after a photo of him riding in a tank while wearing a helmet emerged. The aftermath of that incident had a lasting impact on politics, as President Barack Obama later declined to wear a football helmet for a photo op, stating, “You don’t put stuff on your head if you’re president.” It simply looks awkward.
We recognize awkwardness when we see it, and voters get repeated glimpses of it through TV and social media. These visual platforms emphasize every forced smile and odd comment. As Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a political communication expert, explains, the candidate who is most comfortable in the dominant medium of the time is more likely to gain popular support. Even reporters play a role in shaping narratives that resonate with voters.
It’s surprising, though, that we place so much importance on awkwardness, a natural and relatable human trait. Who hasn’t stumbled upon a faux pas or responded incorrectly to a greeting? Being introverted and less inclined towards small talk can have its advantages. The presidency requires extensive knowledge and critical thinking, and introverted leaders often excel at listening to their subordinates. Awkwardness is associated with attention to detail and passion for specific interests, both valuable qualities in a leader. Confidence, on the other hand, can sometimes lead to poor decision-making.
Yet, we expect more from our president. The role of the president is both functional and performative. We want someone who can handle policy matters and connect with everyday Americans. As pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson points out, the American presidency combines the roles of head of government and head of state. We expect candidates to navigate complexities in the Middle East while also partaking in casual events like eating a pork on a stick. While it’s true that President Joe Biden has made his fair share of gaffes, it’s interesting to ponder why we care so much about a candidate’s awkwardness.
In the end, awkwardness can be a stumbling block, particularly in presidential races. Although it hasn’t always been a fatal flaw for candidates in other positions, it seems to carry more weight in the highest office. Ultimately, voters judge candidates based on their ability to perform well in front of the cameras and connect with the public. Awkwardness, despite its universality, is a quality that we struggle to accept in our leaders.
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