Appearances

Appearances affect the vote.
   That's why his handlers worry.
He looked like Neuman, Alfred E.
   when he debated Kerry.

They wish he'd been on radio
   remaining sight unseen.
Not looking like the cover icon
   for Mad Magazine.

It's really not that good a look;
   not the prescribed credential.
His irritating, nasty smirk
   is not that presidential.

Is Kerry that much taller?
   Should the rules have made him crouch
In an attempt to compensate
   for Bush's weak-kneed slouch?

Next time they'll stand Bush on a stool
   or prop him up on stilts.
But if they do, Las Vegas odds
   are ten to one he wilts.

Bob Carlson
www.politicalboondoggles.com
10/2/04