January 15, 2008
Posted: 09:30 AM ET

ALT TEXT

 CNN's Jeanne Moos wonders if Mitt Romney is just too perfect. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

(CNN) – Is Mitt Romney too good looking for his own good? Or, does being a political hunk make for a slam dunk? CNN's Jeanne Moos takes a look.

Filed under: Mitt Romney


Will   January 28th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Good looking is everything. Bill Clinton and GW Bush both are better-looking than their opponents. And they won.

It will be Mitt Romney VS Barack Obama

Eric   January 25th, 2008 12:53 am ET

I agree — report the news!

Mitt Romney is the one candidate most capable of handling the economic crisis this country is facing.

rick   January 21st, 2008 12:01 am ET

Not only is this candiate smart looking. But maybe as you watch him in the White House you guys will learn how to honor your wifes. Maybe you will catch a glimpes of how close families should be. There won't be any interns in the chambers after hours. The way he took the Salt Lake Olympics from scandal to success was impressive. Maybe with his Mormon upbringings there will be a renewal of respect towards women and children in our country. The guy is intelligent, motivated. Education, hard work, industry will be encouraged. Might just be what this country needs at this time. There will not be any proselyting for the LDS Church coming from the White House. I'm convinced that people who love this country, their families. and all that is good and clean and wholesome will benefit from his time spent as president

From The North   January 15th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Unfortunately, Mitt Romney hasn't got a monopoly on campaign flip-flopping, mud slinging and pandering. I'd be very surprised if there's a candidate out there who hasn't done any of the above.

But he certainly has a monopoly where his good looks are concerned! And I'm sure being handsome and wealthy he's lived life to the fullest and I certainly don't begrudge him that.

You have to give credit where it's due. Mitt is a Great Speaker and Orator. He defines his personal blueprint for Change in a simplistic manner that all can understand and digest without maalox .

I think Mitt Romney is a Wysiwig kind of guy. (What you see is what you get) There won't be any surprises.

Susan Mark   January 15th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

good looking guys on the Debate floor, don't forget Wolf, Fell in love with him in 1990 watching him in Bagdad…. what a stud.

Richard   January 15th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Mitt Romney is a corporate snake who loves free trade and sending American jobs to china. Who cares what he looks like.

Tina   January 15th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

I heard that if Rudy Guiliani is elected president our taxes will drop like a rock!

aj huntington ny   January 15th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Lets' see.. we've had some good looking Presidents — Martin Sheen , Michael Douglas– wait , that's holly wood , not real life? Well, Mitt Romney shouldn't be judged by his looks, but by the content of his record and past wins in serving the public

Heather R - Denver CO   January 15th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

Mitt looks like the guy they sent from Central Casting when the call came in for a "guy that looks like a Presidential candidate"

Will   January 15th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Can we please get John Edwards to drop out of this race so OBAMA can wip Billary’s ass. She is stopping the Nevada people from causing for OBAMA with a lawsuit. Taking trying to take their civil right to caucus away WE NEED TO START THIS MOVEMENT NOW….PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD………

williamwalsh columbus ohio   January 15th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

its like being back in high school, please tell me no one really said this .
and if romney is good looking maby we would nt even have to vote george cloony was to run, its to much for one mind as small as mine to figure it out,

halcyon24   January 15th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

ANDERSON COOPER!! WWWaaaahhoooo !!! Yes, now he's good lookin'. Just love the premature gray! Oh, and his ethics, why can't we all just write him in…

Mitt's a nice looking guy

Bill was REAL good lookin' until the 'ML incident' and then he aged about 20 years in the blink of an eye….

Edwards is to girly for me. Same with Obama.

Kim, Dallas, TX   January 15th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

It would be plain silly to argue the point that Romney is not good looking. I have been telling my Republican friends that if we end up having to have a Republican in office, why not one that is at least pleasant to look at. :)

Walt, Belton,TX   January 15th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Reminds me a lot of slick willie and the way he treats women………..well, maybe they're actually kin.

PH NY   January 15th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Mitt Romney looks creepy, over-dyed and goofy.
His sons are NOT good-looking at all, as their deformed looking mouths look like their mother's mouth( big ugly looking mouth and teeth hanging out).
Mrs. R's genes uglied the boys up.
John Edwards is the best looking candidate.
Cindy McCain is the most gorgeous wife !!

rachel lanore   January 15th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

What do you call a really really good looking man on the floor of the Republican Presidential Debate:

A. a visitor
B. Call a Doctor because you are hallucinating
C. Mitt Romney
*
C. is the answer, ( Anderson Cooper is a good second… hard to call that one)

To the " Call The Fire Dept " post…. you made me laugh so hard….

thanks I needed that.

JaredLarons, FL   January 15th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Not attracted to him at all!!! (Of course I'm a man and secretly envy his good looks)

Oh Brother   January 15th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Who cares!!!!!! we're not going to marry him!!!!! Remember the important thing, he is a Republican. And we all know what they've DONE to this country in the last 8 years.

Dan Seattle, WA   January 15th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

On looks alone, I'd have to go with Dennis Kucinich. He's absolutely adorable! Plus his wife is a total hottie.

Thena   January 15th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

He looks artificial and posed, just like his platform. Too dolled up, way too metrosexual and NOT manly enougly. Can't tell the difference between him and his wife!

John G, New York, NY   January 15th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Now that she has reported on non-news news…let's all rate Jeanne Moos's looks! Your looks aren't relevant to your work, you say? POINT MADE!

J Houston, TX   January 15th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Chris said:

"In today's society does he really think that spewiing his "marriage before children" rhetoric is really feasible? What about those who have no desire to be married? Is hesuggesting that we not bear children?"

Yes! Absolutely do not have children outside of marriage! Whatever world you seem to think you live in, you're wrong. Kids before marriage is still looked down upon by most. The place for children is within a healthy family. Don't be a selfish fool and put anything less than the best out their for any child! You owe it to them and yourself. It's despicable that you can actually say something like that and think you're justified. Quit drinking the koolaid.

Alisha   January 15th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

"we are not voting on looks…"

…Then why are we even talking about it?

Alisha   January 15th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Hey, CNN — your political ticker is a joke. You're destroying what's left of the political discourse in this country. Stop.

No, seriously, stop. Like, now.

Mary Ann   January 15th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I don't think he is good looking.

Leo, TX   January 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Truth be told, the only reason he's having any trouble in the Rep primaries is because many voters are bigotted against his religion, and the media hates this guy. Heaven forbid we should actually have a candidate who has a stabile family life and has no ethical skeletons in his closet. Yes, he makes many in America, including some of the very candidates he's running against, look bad on an ethical and moral level because he's a straight-shooter.

As for his supposed flip-flopping on abortion, his position in MA was that he would support the current law as a duely instituted law of the land decided by the Supreme Court. (What's remarkable about that?) He has never said or written that he personally supports abortion.

All Huckabee has to run on is schtick (Chuck Norris, witty responses, bass playing, etc.) and his Southern support base. McCain is at least highly qualified, but he's already played the DC game for so long that I'd like to give Mitt a chance.

srichard   January 15th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

This is an utterly ridiculous conversation. . .

Don   January 15th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Why is this being discussed? (actually, reading these comments made me smile) Hillary's the hottest. She wins. :)

Free Independent Texan American   January 15th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

So he's Presidential and statesmanly in APPEARANCE in addition to intelligence and experience :) …GO MITT!!!! WOOO HOOO!!! :)

Romney/Thompson in 2008!!!!!

David...Nevada   January 15th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Mitt not only looks presidential but likewise has the resume' to back it up… McCain should be out looking at "shady pines" and some other retirement communities he could spread his war memories around in… since thats all we ever hear from him..

jo ann scott   January 15th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

what does looks have to do with it, OBAMA,EDWARD are both very handsome men, but we are not voting on looks…

Steve, Lyons, CO   January 15th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

What a farce the Ticker has become.

Who gives a CRAP about Romney's looks? You people are fools.

In the meantime, President Criminal is trying to start a war with Iran. How about making that a Ticker item, or are you trying not to embarrass our Worst. President. Ever.?

Mary, Michigan   January 15th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Good looking is in the eye of the beholder! For what it's worth, I don't think he's too good looking. I think he's too perfect looking–reminds me of the Manchurian candidate.

Mike O   January 15th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Too good looking? How about too 'positionally flexible' over the years? How about too slick? I like what the guy says now, but it doesn't match very well with what he's done.

I think it's time we get away from politicians and start voting for straight-talking leaders; Thompson in the GOP and Obama for the Dems. Unfortunately, I believe that would leave us with 'feel-good' Obama; his naivety would likely be disasteorus on the global stage.

Jose   January 15th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Considering the fact he is running against: Frankenstein, Elmer Fudd, and one of the chipmunks… I would have to say Romney does stick out.

Although, his good values, and message stick out too.

Dan ~ Longview, WA.   January 15th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Looks shouldn't figure into the election.

Substance does.

Can there be any doubt that Ron Paul is who this country needs? A man of the utmost integrity and a man of humility. But most importantly, a man with the right ideas – of tolerance, of love, of freedom, and – of course – of the people.

Ron Paul is in the thick of this race. Almost 30,000 proud Americans already have cast their ballots for Ron Paul in both Iowa and New Hampshire:

1. Romney 103,755 30%
2. McCain 102,361 29%
3. Huckabee 66,876 19%
4. Paul 29,648 9%
5. Giuliani 24,151 7%
6. Thompson 18,712 5%

Emelia   January 15th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Looking "presidential" would give Mitt the only advantage over the current occupier of the White House

Santosh-Phila   January 15th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Probably the most handsome President we've had recently is George H. W. Bush. He continues to be attractive even at his current age 84.

Presidents Reagan, Clinton and G. W. Bush were all very attractive in their younger age. Actually probably the last unattractive President was Pres. Nixon.

However the only one that got elected purely on looks was JFK.

Scott, Madison, WI   January 15th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

He's the male, Republican version of Hillary Clinton! Willing to say and and do anything to be elected. If either of them reinvents themselves or changes their positions according to the polls or political winds many more times, they may morph into the first hermaphrodite candidate.

Angela   January 15th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

For those of us who scratched our heads trying to figure out how he got elected governor in MA, his looks are the least of his problems.:P

He's one of those wolves in sheep clothing. Republican that talks middle of the road, but is really far more right than he seems on the surface.

karen   January 15th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I'll take 10 of the Mitt's Romney thongs…

C. B. Bailey   January 15th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Give me a break!! Good looking? To Whom? Take a look at John Edwards, Bill Clinton now that's good looking!

doro, USA   January 15th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Jeanne Moos, when was the last time you've had your eyes checked, girl? His close up is as scary as his politics :)

Chris   January 15th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

He's ahead with the delegate count…McCain is 3rd right now. Let's see what todays vote brings. He's what we need, that is for sure… looks or no looks.

pam Eugene OR   January 15th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

I think you are confusing well groomed with attractive. Not that it matters…I will vote on the issues. But silly me, I have to agree that Fred Thompson is too good looking.

Robert M. Reidy N.Y.   January 15th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

The guy in the background seems to be checking him out !

Craig in Texas   January 15th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

As a blond I cannot vote for someone tall, dark and handsome!

I am sure he has some flaws we can't see….but I can't think of any.

HUH?   January 15th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

In what alternate universe is Mitt Romney considered "good looking", let alone "too good looking"?

Michael Sheridan, Grand Rapids, MI   January 15th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Jeebus on a fricking' pogo stick - I didn't think CNN's political coverage could become any shallower, but I was obviously mistaken. I'm no fan of Mitt Romney's, but this is pathetic.

If this is the best that the "best political team on television" can produce, why don't you guys just quit pretending, fire your current staff, and hire the presenters of "Entertainment Tonight" and the TV Guide channel.

rico   January 15th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

This is truly great political discussion! I learned so much more about the candidates and the issues because of this incredibly insightful topic. After all attractiveness is half the battle." From the first moment I…………."

Darth Vadik, CA   January 15th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I hope we are not so vane that we elect our politicians based on their looks,
but alas we do,
how else do you explain Kusinich, who is probably the most honest and best candidate on the Democratic side.

Just Remember Abe Lincoln was probably the worst looking president, yet he turned out to be one of the best ones we'veever and will probably ever have (FDR is in the same class too).

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 15th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Yes, Mitt Romney is good looking, but that doesn't mean hate the player, hate the game. Nobody wants to be physically ugly and it's unfortunate for some of us to be verbally and physically ugly.

maria   January 15th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

HE IS SO HOT…..SOMEBODY PLEASE CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!!!

anne - detroit mi   January 15th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

don't hate him because he's beautiful

Santosh-Phila   January 15th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Undoubtedly Gov. Romney is an extremely handsome man, especially at his age as a grandfather, he looks unbelievably sharp-definitely the best looking candidate in the race. Sen. Edwards may have a nice face but he looks childish..he doesn't have the look of maturity and intelligence that Gov. Romney does.

But looks obviously can't decide something this important. What's unattractive about the Governor is that he doesn't have any steady conviction or political courage like President Bush does. That's why President Bush (who may not be nearly as attractive) was such astrong candidate as well as a respected leader and Governor Romney is having a hard time establishing that image.

Carol B., Maryland   January 15th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

To the other Carol. You sound like you work for his campaign. He'll set women back
fifty years. How sad.

Daniel   January 15th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Haha, WOOWWW!!

This is the must inane topic I have ever witnessed on CNN. "too perfect".

Here's a tip: Romney is not perfect in any way shape or form. There is nothing redeeming about him and he's just like the rest of the neo-cons. Just another corrupt politician.

The only true American statesmen are Ron Paul, Kucinich, and possible Mike Gravel. Unfortunately I have to vote for my 2nd choice, Obama, because I know he can win and the others can't.

Romney.. aahaha man CNN, you crack me up sometimes.

Mark C, Asheville NC   January 15th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

He's not THAT good-looking, but in politics the standards are low. James Carville once described politics as "show business for ugly people."

r-m   January 15th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

i do find him to be a very attractive man. i am a democrat, but if he represents the republican party, there is a slight chance i will jump parties and vote for mitt, because yes, he is good looking.

Anonymous   January 15th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Why can't you admit it. Mitt Romney is handsome. Just say it. Don't be jealous. You know he looks better than Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Sure Kennedy was elected President after his father bought the election and Nixon was too ugly, then a ugly man killed Kennedy, probably because of his good looks.

Delores Williams   January 15th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

He is cute, but so is John Edwards. For those who say he is not, they are just being ugly because of his political ties. That is the problem with narrowminded people. They hate anybody who thinks differently. How completely stupid. The other option is that they prefer his wife.

Jim, Burlington   January 15th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Seriously folks, you must be kidding.

He has a "plan" to force Japan and Korea to quit sending cars to us (how about all those Toyotas, Hondas, Hyundias, Kias, Subarus and Nissans that are made here?)

He inherieted a pretty big chunk of cash from his father, created a business based on buying distressed companies, and making them profitable by firing most of the employees.

He has reversed his position on almost every issue since leaving the Governorship, and want's us to believe his father marched with Rev. King and that he is a lifelong hunter. You folks will believe ANYTHING!

McCain/Huckabee the only Republican ticket that will win the general election - if you are a true Republican and patriot you will know this…

Tom Masters   January 15th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Why is this a topic? CNN?!

Dowell   January 15th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I am voting for Obama…but he is hott! :)

Chris, Jacksonville   January 15th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Great,

Thanks for focusing on the issues, CNN.

Our nation is doomed by the dumb.

Bukky, Balt MD   January 15th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Ummm he's not good looking… not even a lil bit

Randolph Monroe, Chicago   January 15th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Too good looking, that might be John Edwards, I'm a guy and I think Edwards is hot. What's he doing with Elizabeth, she looks like she could be his mom.

Nate   January 15th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Lets be honest, not one of the candidates could be described as "ugly". Maybe Fred Thompson, but you have to admit he does look OK for being 102 years old.

Art, Del Mar, CA   January 15th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

The ugly part of him is his blind ambition.., which seems to shine through. Sorry Mitt,…we SEE it!

Mark Cross Junction VA   January 15th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Thank goodness Hillary doesn't have to worry about being named in this CNN report!

Go Huckabee   January 15th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Ummm…why are we changing the story from issues to how a candidate looks? Oh yeah we are talking about Mitt aka the changer. I didn't know Kerry was running in this election. I wonder how Mitt Romney looks like in flip flops.

T - Reno, NV   January 15th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

He looks like a Ken doll. Have they proven that he's anatomically correct yet? That would go against Mattel's marketing scheme.

chemist42   January 15th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

So this is all about looks? Quick, somebody get me my "George Clooney For President" sign–we need to get busy!

Justine   January 15th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I thought would have been about John Edwards, now he is good looking.

SylviaR   January 15th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

When I saw the question about being too good looking, I thought they were talking about Edwards. Edwards is far better looking that this guy and I'm not a supporter of either. I do think too ugly could keep you out of office, but not too good looking. This person does have to represent our country, but what's in his head is more important than how he looks. It's good to see this question come up about one of the men when Senator Clinton has been getting this kind of flack about her hair being a bit blonde. The whole thing is stupid.

Deanna   January 15th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I don't think that he's really all that good looking. More to the point, when did an election become a beauty contest and why exactly is this even a question? There are plenty of things that could take up space on the political ticker– a conversation about how good looking one man is… frankly that's a bit ridiculous. But it's not a surprise since we live in a country more interested in the Spears sisters than the state of world affairs.

For the record- both John Edwards and Barrack Obama are better looking that Mitt.

Jana Baldwin   January 15th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I would say he is hardly a "hunk" nor are any of his sons. Mitt Romney looks like a used car salesman. Sleezy is the word I would use, or womanizer. Hey is the next Bill Clinton of the GOP party. As a Mormon I would NOT trust Mitt Romney with anything. He talks because he enjoys to listen to himself. His policies are very unclear. He makes me sick to look at and to listen to.

mike kaplan   January 15th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Typical NON-STORY from CNN, and exceptionally stupid.

Mitt Romney is not having trouble because of his looks. He's having trouble because he is a cynical flip-flopper who has changed his mind on just about every major position he ever took, in a transparently cynical attempt to make himself conservative enough to win over notoriously backwards Republican primary voters. And much of the natural Republican base, the evangelical voters, are very uneasy with his Mormonism. It has nothing to do with his looks.

Del   January 15th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

what a waste of space. if looks mattered hilly-billy wouldn't be on our planet.

Robyn   January 15th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

When I saw the title of this article, I assumed it was concerning John Edwards. He's the only good looking candidate that I could think of. I was taken aback to see it was, instead, about Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney - too good looking? Get real!

martyj   January 15th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

CNN must certainly be hard up for a story to include looks as a political negative.

For those who responded negatively, look in the mirror.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 15th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

If we'd never seen his wife, we'd swear he was a poof.

Amanda   January 15th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Tall, Dark and Handsome….that is enough to kill any campaign!

martyj   January 15th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

CNN must certainly be hard up for a story to include looks as a political negative.

The only thing more lame and stupid are the morons who responded to it on this blog.

Replace the Establishment   January 15th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

As I watch the evening news every day and I see how far down the toilet we have taken this country since the 60s, I can understand why the two party system is a joke. The Dems are kissing the rear ends of people who already have special laws made just for them so why should they play the game. (Hillary will win on the Dem side) Caucasians in this country Dem or otherwise do not respect people who have special laws and rules made just for that group of people so they will not vote for minorities especially on a national level. Now, if the powers within the socialist fabric of our government that run everything can somehow bring themselves to do away with the divisive laws and rules such as so called civil rights laws (passed against Southern States only), Affirmative Action Laws (passed against all others except Africans) and quota systems (same as AAL) then maybe we can get on to the business of working together in this country. But that may not happen because radicals on both sides would have nothing to gain by creating peace and cooperation between the people of this country.

Ron Paul is the only candidate willing to tell the truth and if truth trumps everything else in this world then perhaps the people will see the light before we get more of the SOS.

Allie   January 15th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

who could look at him and think good looking? He is not deformed, but other than that, he looks kind of slimy and OLD!

Gobama   January 15th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

STATUS QUO MUST GO!

Americans should DISALLOW A CLINTON THIRD TERM! . . . .

It is very obvious that the self-destructive Bill Clinton is using his wife to win a THIRD CLINTON TERM in the defiled White House with the interns.

Last time the self-destructive Clintons built up a huge White House legacy and then proceeded to foul their White House nest and undermine the US Presidency, which has not recovered after 8 years.

It will take a character of Obama's stature to fix the US Presidency.

SPQR753   January 15th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

The "good looks" of a candidate is utterly irrelevant.

Considering Romney 's many flip-flops in several different subjects, the question ought to be: does he qualify to work at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus or at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?

matt   January 15th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Nice "news" CNN. You guys obviously aren't trying to win any awards.

Kaitlin   January 15th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

He is good looking, but what does that matter? Looks are the last thing that matters to me when it comes to presidential candidates.

Jason, Sacramento, California   January 15th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

He looks good because he's lived a good clean life.

Kat   January 15th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Some of you people are really disturbing me…picking candidates by looks?! are you kidding??!! How about the things that come out of their mouths, values, IQs….whoever said "I would vote for him 'cause he is good looking" is seriously disturbed….no wonder you end up with presidents like Bush!

The mess in the country is the fault of superficial voters like you!

JoAnne Smith   January 15th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

The candidate that gets my vote is the one with the brains to fix Washington and the stamina to get it done through negotiation with all of the elected officials in Washington that can't agree on anything. That man is Mitt Romney! No other candidate has his credentials or proven track record. I couldn't care less what Mitt looks like and I think that this idea of too good looking is ridiculous. America just needs to open their eyes and take a look at what this man his accomplished in his life. He built his own fortune regardless of what some of the other posts to this blog suggest through smart business decisions he made as CEO of Bain Capitol. He took over the Olympics after 9/11 with a 350 million dollar deficit and turned it in to a 50 million dollar profit along with making it safe and secure for the athletes and visitors. This was followed by a Govenorship that was able to bring healthcare to all of its citizens in MA. All of this is done by a man who has lived his life with the highest values and who cares about America enough to spend his own money to get elected. Mitt is definitely the hope of America to turn our economy around cut the waste in Washington. His biggest obstacle is the main street media who does everything they can to destroy his campaign because they know that he would be the most difficult candidate to beat if he should win the Republican nomination. I see Mitt as a President that can fix our economy and has the brains to know that we also need to rebuild our military to where it was before being whittled away by Bill Clinton during his Presidency. You cannot reason with terrorists and to think you can is pure hogwash. The radical Islams want us dead and don't forget it.

Anna N   January 15th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Come on he is a good looking guy and he's in his 60s!

Joe   January 15th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

This is great news for me. After all of these years, people are finally lowering their physical attractiveness standards! If this guy is too good looking, then I should have no problem finally landing a girlfriend after 34 years of trying.

Lasse Christensen   January 15th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Good looking?! He gives me the creeps in a BIG way! And that is entirely without an eye on his political views. I may disagree with him, but I disagree even more fervently with people like Huckabee, and yet the latter strikes me as an amiable, nice fellow. Romney is just scary. If he is put in the white house, expect WWIII.

James, Boston MA   January 15th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Ok, looks aside (I do think he looks most like a president than anyone running from either party, but that's beside the point), the guy is smart as heck. He was valedictorian of his college class. Now that's tough. And then earning a joint MBA/JD degree from Harvard. You can call Mitt a lot of things, but dumb is not one of them.

coco   January 15th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Really, who says he's good-looking? I prefer sincerity, wit, and a little quirk to my men and to my women friends. There's no there there, if you ask me. He does nothing for me. Not politically, not sexually.

Geez, give me a break. Don't assume that just because some guy looks like Hollywood's version (1962) of a catch, that everyone out there thinks the same way. to me, he is the emptiest of empty suits. He looks like he could be a news anchor, maybe.

Dawn   January 15th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I think anyone brave enough to run for President, knowing the criticism and scrutiny nationwide they will go through, deserves better questions to be tallied on, especially on CNN! In addition, after reading some of the blogs responding to this, it saddens me that so many persons make such a big deal about a political candidate who changes his/her mind on an issue. Many Americans and Candidates are touting "change"; well what is so bad about becoming more knowledgeable about an issue or perhaps having an experience directly with an issue that causes one to change his/her view especially if it is better for society and the country as a whole. The world we live in is everchanging and persons are expected to be flexible and accepting of change in the workplace and all other areas; so it is about time the country allows a politician to change his mind when warranted. This is the first election in my adult life where I am very excited about the issues and each candidates' views on each. I am proud to say that I am looking forward to the coming months and when I do cast my vote for President, it will not be based on a political party, but based on issues which I plan to continue to seek knowledge on so I can be a responsible and informed voter come election day. It is such a blessing to live in the United States and have the freedom we do; I do wish our freedom of speech was directed more often toward substantive issues versus appearance and speculation.

Andrew   January 15th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Nice job CNN. Keep up the good work….

Terry, El Paso, TX   January 15th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

While this seems like an incredibly stupid story, I know that there are people who believe that the President, as a representative of the nation, should present a good appearance. I've heard people actually say that they would not vote for a local candidate for mayor because his appearance was not up to mayoral standards.

Our three greatest presidents were Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt. Roosevelt looked ok but not gorgeous. Washington had a dramatic appearance for his time. Lincoln was notably homely and his face was not completely symmetrical. Lincoln was once accused of being two-faced. He replied, "If I had two faces, do you think I would go out in this one?"

Also, I note that female candidates for office are often the subject of a fashion critique, when men are not, which is incredibly stupid, as if it matters what someone wears, or as if it reveals anything at all of a person's inner qualities.

I confess am guilty myself of assuming certain inner qualities are revealed by a person's appearance. I usually stereotype people who dress very fashionably as being shallow and selfish. I figure if they spend that much time shopping, having their hair styled, and looking at themselves in the mirror then they can't be spending much time doing anything worthwhile. If a person looks like he spends too much money on clothes or jewelry, I also assume he is untrustworthy. I figure he places too much value on money and will probably try to get some of mine if I don't watch out.

Men usually agree on the beauty of women, and if one man thinks a woman is lovely then most other men think so too. Women are very idiosyncratic regarding male appearance. One woman says that Tom Cruise is gorgeous and another woman says Tom Cruise makes her want to puke.

As for Mitt Romney's appearance, I think he looks like an average guy with a suit on, like most of the candidates.

Emily Coletta   January 15th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Me and my girlfriends all joke that Romney looks like a model for a Rogain commercial. "I can just imagine him running his fingers through his jet-black, dandruff-free hair."

We call him Mitt Rogain.

Angela   January 15th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Oh, God. Who cares.
Another example of lazy journalism.
Come on CNN!! Why is this relevant?????????????????

Jeff   January 15th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Conservatives love conformity and assimilation, which is what Bush/Romney represent- which is why they can't deal with the world or its own people for that matter. Nice voting republicans!

Oscar, Rio Vista, CA   January 15th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

CNN Reporters should be ashamed of themselves. Both Obama and Clinton put out their plans for their economy a couple of days ago and all these reporters can talk about is this type of crappola.

Some people may think Mitt Romney is good looking and vote for him because of it. Some people may think Hilary is good looking and vote for her because of it. (It could happen…. after all Prince Charles has a thing for Camilla). :)

However, I feel like whoever wrote this piece should be writing for the Enquirer. It is disrespectful to the voters to think they will base their vote on how someone looks rather than what they stand for.

Could political reporters please start doing some real reporting instead of trash. I wish we could go back to the days of Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw, and Dan Rather when we were given real information instead of opinions, gossip, and rumors. I WANT SOME REAL NEWS.

Jessica, arlington, VA   January 15th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

now john edwards is good looking!

Elizabeth   January 15th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

You must be kidding!?! First of all, it really doesn't matter (or at least, it shouldn't). And too good looking? Maybe if you like plastic old white guys.

jf   January 15th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Funniest thing about this Republican race? The Mormon is the only one who's had just one wife! I wish Romney would treat the cameras the way he treats his friends and associates. He isn't the slightest bit plastic to people close to him and is as honest and sincere as they come. All the people who say he says/does whatever it takes to be elected have no clue and are just stumping for somebody else. Of course, I'm sure many of the other candidates are also better people than our villainizing campaign process portrays them as well.

David, Gilbert Arizona   January 15th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Geez, this is a Jeanne Moos piece so it's obviously a parady of some sort. We need to take up a massive collection and buy America a sense of humor already. On that note Mitt does look like a walking Ken doll but that doesn't disqualify him to be President.

His flip flopping, mud slinging, pandering is what disqualifies him to be President. He bashes other candidates for things he himself has either done or has endorsed in the past, which makes him very two faced and untrustworthy.

Leonor Palangio, Montebello, CA90640   January 15th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

We should leave the candidates to explain themselves or make a fool of themselves. This is not a beauty contest, We are talking of the BIGGEST JOB on earth . . . . UNITED STATES PRESIDENT.

When Senator Clinton was interviewed by Tim Russet last Sunday on Meet the Press, I saw and heard that she has substance, she is experienced, she has the skills, knowledge, very personable and solid background to hold the highest office on earth . . . she is the one, to borrow the words of a super tv talk show host.

We, the voters, will make the decisions not the press/polls/commentators. We are very smart, intelligent, wise and open minded group.

charlotte   January 15th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

You have got to be kidding, now it's looks? I think John Edwards is good looking. CNN must be desperate for news.

Ken   January 15th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

and if you believe that John ("cultist background"), then I cannot respectfully think you are intelligent and know anything about free agency.

John, Albany, New York   January 15th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Anybody who believes in false history like the mormons do won't get my vote. I once saw a picture of Joe Smith sitting on a bleacher with all his wives and children and it looked likeone of the high school class pictures taken on a bleacher in the high school gymnasium. Theres something odd about a religion that does not worship in their temples but does genialogical research instead. Wierd.

Kyle   January 15th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

This is ridiculous, CNN - YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED for allowing such garbage reporting to appear on your website. Good job belittling the importance and seriousness of issues by distracting readers with TOTALLY IRRELIVENT articles. If the people can't turn to CNN for honest direct and PROFESSIONAL reporting..then who can we? You've lost the respect of one CNN fan.

carol   January 15th, 2008 11:47 am ET

mitt is a proven success - in business, government and family. his wife has been diagnosed with ms - and they put their country first. we are lucky to have him.

unlike the senators, clinton, obama and mccain - mitt is campaigning on his own dime while the others are doing it on our taxpaying dime - while they are supposed to be looking out for our interests - hillary is going on two years now - to resign and give the seat to someone who would actually work does even enter their minds - how sad.

maxine   January 15th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Too good looking for what? Are we so shallow that this is what American politics focuses on. No wonder the rest of the world hates us. Wake up and get a clue. there are real issues in the world.

manny_thome   January 15th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Edwards and Obama are bith better-looking than Mitt.

From Ann Arbor   January 15th, 2008 11:38 am ET

He looks like a used car salesman. The problem is that his personality matches his looks. He's a flipper on issues. He's not bad on the eyes. My problem with looking at him is that I can't believe a word he says.

My vote's going to HUCK!

Willy D   January 15th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Yes, he is too good looking. The new policy should be you can't be too good looking, like mitt or thompson's wife. To be fair one shouldn't be too ugly either, like rudy or fred. Overwhelmingly average should be our battle cry….that is why I like hillary (homely but workable) vs. duncan hunter (metrosexually attractive with a cool name).

Bob   January 15th, 2008 11:34 am ET

I can not beleive that something like this even makes the news. I guess the only kind of media coverage Mitt is able to get is pathetic pointless garbage. The media should be ashamed of themselves for trying to damage his campaign by covering only things that are absolutely ridiculously. Mitt is the man and will be the next president with or without the media.
MITT FOR 2008

Amelia   January 15th, 2008 11:32 am ET

GROSS….I think the word they are looking for is gross. Mitt Romney is too gross looking for anyone.

Carol B., Maryland   January 15th, 2008 11:28 am ET

My mother got a doll named "Mr. Wonderful" as a gag gift. He looks and sounds a lot like Romney. Just like Mitt is accused (like some of the candidates) of saying anything to boost ratings, so will Mr. Wonderful. Here's a sample: " Honey, let's stop and ask for directions." …"Would you like me to carry your purse? You look so tired."…or the biggie, "Why don't you take the remote so we can watch your show instead of football."

ne,pa   January 15th, 2008 11:26 am ET

He's better looking then death warmed over McCain!
I'll take Romney's brain anyday.

Stew   January 15th, 2008 11:23 am ET

You are all just jealous. Romney '08!

independent_me   January 15th, 2008 11:23 am ET

"Good looking" is not a term that I would use to describe Mitt Romney. These are the terms that come to mind whenever I see him:
Plastic
Mechanical
Wound-up
Robotic
Sinister
Diabolical
SCARY!

And by the way…wait until you all hear what he REALLY did for Massachusetts, how he screwed the State, drove away jobs, tried to bust the union and cooked the books. CNN…when are you going to really start investigating his claims of good governance???

GetSerious   January 15th, 2008 11:22 am ET

OK, Mitt!!! Great gimmick. Seriously, who made this up, Mr. Nasty-Guy behind you in the photo or your kids? If he's good looking then John Mccain might as well declare himself as the one who can bring SEXY back to the White House. Let's get back to real and important issues and stop kidding ourselves with these old fogies.

Saz   January 15th, 2008 11:20 am ET

I'm baffled that Mitt Romney is perceived as attractive, or "too good-looking for his own good." For that to be the case the person first must be handsome. He's no Brad Pitt or Hugh Jackman, and that's the caliber of attractivness deserving of "too good-looking for their own good" labels.

Chris O from Waterford, VA   January 15th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Hats off to CNN for hiring blind reporters.

John   January 15th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Good Looking?? Not hardly! Considering his 'cultist' background, we'll all be drinking water and milk, no booze, tea, colas, etc, and eating all our veggies only for 4 years!! And forget smoking…There'll be a national ban on cigs…

Jovan   January 15th, 2008 11:18 am ET

What does that have to do with anything, lets talk about what he wants to do as president without changing his view point every 10 minutes. Besides the man is married.

Jon   January 15th, 2008 11:18 am ET

oh please! who cares about the looks. that is the stupidest thing I've heard.

famunkwriter   January 15th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Mitt is a tool. He isn't funny, he's too stiff and many of his remarks and actions will only end up pissing off the rest of the world. Say NO to George Bush Junior…just look at Staples - their prices are too high and they don't have near the selection the other two office supply companies do…his ego is wayyyy to big for his 4000 dollar suit.

Michelle Liu   January 15th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Good looking? He's not that good looking. But looks may play a role in this election too.

By the way, to one of the earlier commenters…What the heck? Why should we even butt into other countries' business? If they create better cars, they should, by all means, be allowed to create and sell them!

Tim   January 15th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Hey Joan Parker Arlington,

What's wrong with pharmacists!!! I hope I'm still a hunk when I'm a pharmacist.

DebC   January 15th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Hmmm. I don't find insincerity or a smarmy exterior attractive. And please don't send him back to MA. We don't want him. He spent half his term as governor in-absentia campaigning for president. Oh ya, and he's pro-choice… least he was when he ran here.

Stacey   January 15th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Come on, good looking? He needs to trim his eyebrows and work on his George Clooney impression a bit more.

Bill Culver, Covington,LA   January 15th, 2008 11:07 am ET

ME….."old white men are not my cup of tea" Having read many comments over the monthe of this campaign, from many people, I would imagine that you are more the obama type.

He is my man   January 15th, 2008 11:06 am ET

I would vote for Mitt on his looks alone. He is going to be one smart good looking president of the United States of America.

Mike   January 15th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Mitt Romney, is not good looking! He looks like a plastic creep.

josh   January 15th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Chris,

God created the family unit to have a Mother and a Father. Now that is not always possible, unfortunatly. There are those that are just doing the best that they can. But having two loving parents should be our goal. Do our childeren deserve to be rasied by childcare workers, that are just earning a paycheck? No, they deserve to have parents that love them and will give thier life for them. Why wouldn't this be our goal?

seanarthurwill   January 15th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Does it REALLY matter? And if it does what does it say about the intellectual status of our country? Alan Greenspan looks like a cross between Gollum and a sun dried tomato…but he is one of the best economical minds this country has ever seen. Don't get me started on the great American uglies.

Attractive or ugly, I side with Mitt. His plans and record indicate a direction in which Americans can decide their own fate, and that is the best we can hope for.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   January 15th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Maybe Mitt should run for First Figurehead–kinda like a stunt double for the real president. Fred Thompson could give him acting lessons.

michael dallas, tx   January 15th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Whoever said MItt Romney is good looking? One of his dozen wives?

That guy looks like a used car salesman! In fact if you compare him to intellectual champions like Ron Paul, he truly is just a car salesman :)

WendyT   January 15th, 2008 10:56 am ET

This guy gives me the creeps. Good looking? You've got to be kidding. Who the heck started this……..his wife?

kim   January 15th, 2008 10:53 am ET

good looking??? where? by whose standards? certainly NOT MINE!!

JJ   January 15th, 2008 10:44 am ET

He is not too good looking. He is too plastic looking. Too fake acting. Too ambitous and not nearly virtuous enough. He thinks he can throw his money around and buy people who aren't as privileged as him. We don't need a business leader. They got us into this recession. We need virtue! Where is our Scipio?

Joan Parker Arlington, Virginia   January 15th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Wait. Do people really think that Mitt Romney is attractive. Oh my God. That is like saying G. Bush is attractive. You have got to be kidding me. He looks like a pharmacist. Sterile as can be.

Gene, Houston, TX   January 15th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Boy, we're really sinking too low now. First it was Hillary's cleavage, now Romney looks too good to be president. First, he should have been disqualified because of his religion, but most people disagreed with that. Now, he should be disqualified because he's good looking. How stupid is this!! Hey CNN: How about reporting real news!!

josh   January 15th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Is that possible? The neat thing about Mitt is, that he can back it up with smarts and know-how. He is the leader we need in this great country!

Kathy   January 15th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Mitt is the only one who really looks like a President. Good looks, health and values make him number #1 in my books.

cari, columbia, md   January 15th, 2008 10:32 am ET

he looks like a mannequin. maybe some people find that attractive. the point is he changes his position and evades questions all the time.

Mary, Beaver, PA   January 15th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Are you kidding me? JFK was good-looking too. Did that prevent him from becoming President? What utter nonsense!

Bob   January 15th, 2008 10:27 am ET

What ever happened to being qualified? I'm convinced that sound journalism is dead and gone and has been replaced with hype, spin, glitz, trash talk, and non-reality reality crap. The real reporters of yester-year would lay an egg to see the farce that gets called "news" today. You may think I'm some over the hill, conservative, but I'm an under 30 independent that can't take any more of this garbage that's on the boob tube and the net. It's all meant as a distraction from the real issues people! How does Brittney's life details help us feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, fix our broken healthcare system, bring our fine men and women home from an illegal and immoral war? Maybe Larry King and Glenn Beck can answer that the next time they are dribbling on themselves with nonsense.

Nancy Gryz   January 15th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Not only is he good looking he is also very smart.

I would rather look at him 24/7 and listen to him 24/7 then any other candidate.

Come on people, now we are going to knock good looks.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   January 15th, 2008 10:26 am ET

It is important for any future president to look well, but looking too well dressed etc, I don't know. I know that some of the candidate didn't look 100% presidential. If Romney is worried about looking too sharp, then he should try doing a job that doesn't have him sitting at a desk wondering which company he should either take to new heights or run into the ground. Both Ron Paul and Fred Thompson do look a little tired at times. That is okay since neither of them will win the nomination.

richard   January 15th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Too good looking? The guy looks like a parody of a news anchor. I swear that SNL created him.

From The North   January 15th, 2008 10:26 am ET

After listening to Mitt Romney on Larry King last evening, I am beginning to believe Mitt is the only one running that has a real message and a real plan for America.
He is the only one that speaks to American's major issues and defines his plan on dealing with the same and bringing about positive change.

He is also a millionaire in his own right so I'd guess he's not in the race for the financial gains it might bestow upon him. His father was also a past Governor of Michigan so politics are in the genes which is also an asset.

If I were Americans I'd give Mitt a closer look. He certainly comes across as having more to offer and more capabilities to bring it to fruition than the other Candidates I've heard.

The only negative for me is that unfortunately Mitt is a Republican. But, I dont' see him being a Bush Clone like Rudy, Fred and John. I don't feel Huckabee is a Bush Clone either. He and Mitt being the only two Republicans not pandering to Bush's every whim and directive.

AJ, Iowa City, IA   January 15th, 2008 10:23 am ET

What is this, news? Has is appearance changed recently? What drastic face altering surgery has Mitt undergone that warrents this story? Is this just some piece to put doubt in the minds of voters? CNN, you stink! Report the news! News = things that happen that lay people should know about.

Romney is the best candidate (from either party) and if the American people want to a leader to lead them out of economic recession then Mitt is the man!

Where is the CNN story about Huckabee's dentist? Where is the CNN story about Rudy's STDs? Where is the CNN story about McCain's calcium suppliments and prune juice? Where is the ..awww you get the idea? This is the best thing they can come up with?!!!

MC- Atlanta,GA   January 15th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Are you serious? Mitt's disgusting pandering personality outshines whatever outside looks he does has. He makes me sick.

Lori   January 15th, 2008 10:22 am ET

America wants some one dumber and less kept up than this man. If he were President, he would remind us all that we could do a little better. That just won't fly. Please put Average Joe in the White House. It will make us all feel better as we reach for our comfort food.

Marcus, Great Lakes IL   January 15th, 2008 10:21 am ET

No, it's not that he is too good looking for his own good, it's that he is incapable of relating to the middle-class. He has no comprehension of the day-to-day struggle that the middle-class has making ends meet. How could he? He was born into money therefore, no middle-class values, no middle-class struggles, just an elitist with good looks.

Chelsea, Columbia Falls, MT   January 15th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Too good looking? That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

Danielle Ryan   January 15th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Hillary is way hotter.

But anyway, it shouldn't have anything to do with the campaign.

Me   January 15th, 2008 10:17 am ET

He's not attractive. However, old white men aren't exactly my cup of tea.

Whitney   January 15th, 2008 10:17 am ET

Interesting. How about the reverse? When I told my mom I support Fred Thompson, her first comment was on how "ugly" she thought he was. I am disappointed that anyone would base their vote based on: looks, race, gender or religion. It's not right. Either they have a vision you agree with and support or they don't, but to vote for someone based on anything else is not using your head.

Alex   January 15th, 2008 10:14 am ET

TOO Good Looking? We must have pretty low expectations about attractiveness for politicians! CNN is missing the mark here. It's not that he's too good-looking. It's that he reminds us of a stiff, wooden "Stepford-like" person. Looks don't leave that impression, but personality does.

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   January 15th, 2008 10:13 am ET

I can't believe this!!

Gimme a break!!

I wish the ONLY thing wrong with this walking "swizzle stick" as President was that he was too good looking to believe.

In a Barbie world–there must be a Ken.

It's his alliance with the Bush policies and willingness to change his tune with the wind that's unsupportable.

Chris   January 15th, 2008 10:13 am ET

TOO GOOD LOOKING??? I don't thik Mitt Romney has anything to worry about If being TOO good looking can be a draw back. I think he is attractive but no where near TOO good looking. Then again I guess it all depends on who's looking at him. Maybe you see somehting that I don't. What turned me away from Mr. Romney was his insistance on inserting his religious beliefs on all of us. In today's society does he really think that spewiing his "marriage before children" rhetoric is really feasible? What about those who have no desire to be married? Is hesuggesting that we not bear children?

nancydepp   January 15th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Why is the man behind Romney staring at him that way? Could he be kin to Sen. Craig?

Koronin   January 15th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Too good looking? That's a hoot.

The man's a stuffed suit and will be soon sent back to MA

EntertainMeDontBoreMe   January 15th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Go, Michigan Republicans! Vote for Romney! He's got a plan to persuade Japan and Korea to get out of the auto business! He'll get those jobs back right away!

Ann   January 15th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Who said he's good looking?!!! "button-down, uptight, average" at best, looks like he's afraid to move because he might break honestly

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