West: Presidential beauty contest?

By MIKE WEST

Are you familiar with the term "presidential beauty contest?"

In the past that bit of terminology applied to presidential primary elections in which the popular vote does not determine the number of convention delegates a candidate receives.

But now in 2016 that "beauty contest" connotation is threatening to apply to the actual presidential race. I'm afraid this campaign will be one of personalities and not issues. The last race, Obama Vs. Romney, was a good deal like that with Obamacare being the only real issue. (Romney vowed to repeal it.)

I'm afraid the upcoming race will be even worse.

This campaign will be full of those made for TV moments with nary an issue raised, much less discussed.

When it comes to experience, Clinton does have the edge. After all, she is the wife of former President Bill Clinton. (Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that was I?) And she was America's top diplomat as Secretary of State under the Obama Administration. (Oops, did I mention Benghazi?)

But I've got to say it would be interesting to see hubby Bill in the role of "First Gentleman." I can imagine thrilled TV commentators describing the "First Man's" latest garb from from Dior or some other famous designer. I can less imagine Bill keeping this mouth shut while waving and smiling at the crowd on the heels of the President. (Crazy, huh!)

As for experience, Trump is perhaps the best-known businessman in America, if not the world, thanks to the TV show, "The Apprentice." (This isn't sounding too good is it?)

But Trump does have loads of both flash and dash and might accidentally open the White House to the cameras as compared to President Obama. As for his bride, Melania, she is poised and beautiful and would shine under the presidential spotlight. (Of course during her days as a model, she did pose in some risque outfits that you could have never imagined _ for example_ Lady Bird Johnson wearing.) By the way, Melania is Trump's third wife, which is another presidential first.

Maybe the two candidates need to forget all their baggage and concentrate on the real issues? The continuing drag of Obamacare is one. And the real status of the U.S. economy is another. What about immigration? Should federal taxes be increased or perhaps a flat tax should be instituted? Oh, gun control is another good one! What about Common Core educational standards?

I could go on and on, but I doubt if either candidate will really deal with these and other issues.