The Atlantic

Why Conservative Politicians May Be More Attractive Than Liberal Ones

A new study suggests that conservative politicians in the United States, Europe, and Australia tend to be better-looking.
Source: David Gray / Reuters

Conservative politicians are better looking than liberal politicians on average in the United States, Europe, and Australia—and that might create an overall advantage for conservative parties, according to a study published in the February issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Public Economics.

The study goes on to suggest that the more attractive a politician is, the more likely voters across the political spectrum are to assume he or she is conservative, while the less attractive a politician is, the more likely voters are to assume he or she is liberal.

Prior research good-looking political candidates win more votes, just one of the many ways attractive individuals seem to have it better in life. There is evidence to suggest that beautiful people are viewed by others as more likable, trustworthy and competent, and may be more likely to job interviews and than less attractive people to name just a few advantages.

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