One of the essential character traits in any successful politician is an ability — whether real or feigned — to connect with the hopes and fears of the average voter.

Voters tend to like to vote for politicians that they believe are extraordinary (whether that means in terms of charisma, brain power of some other less tangible trait) but at the same time care about the lives of the average American.

This “empathy” factor is particularly important in this election for two reasons: first, many people — Democrats, independents and even some Republicans — believe the policies of the Bush Administration have shown an active disregard for the average voter; and second, the current economic crisis has left people looking to their government for reassurance and answers far more than at any time in the recent past.

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