Research has shown that the more physically attractive a member of Congress is, the more network television coverage they get. The study was done by two Israeli professors from the University of Haifa, Professor Israel Waismel-Manor and Professor Yariv Tsfati. The research was concluded from a survey of students that rated Congress members on attractiveness, avoiding top leadership posts and presidential candidates. They found that those who were more attractive received more TV time, but not more print or radio time than other Congress members. They also found other factors. Congress members who were female, black, more radical in thought, or came from larger states also had more television time, while tenure in office and bill sponsorship weren't seen as factors at all.
A professor at Princeton refuted this study, stating that most members of Congress, regardless of how attractive they are, don't typically get on network television. It may also be a subconscious reflex to choose to put on air someone who is better looking, rather than a less attractive individual, to interest viewers. Professor Wald from Columbia University went even farther to say people usually look at more attractive people, rather than hideous people. That's just known.
The article seems pretty valid, but somewhat obvious. Of course the network televisions want to put a variety of people on the air, people that attract attention. Attractive, smart Congresswomen will do that, and will probably get more viewers for the network. I have to admit, this article was refreshing to read after viewing article upon article on the GOP campaigns and caucuses.
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