Final answer:
Presidential nominees need to exhibit demographic appeal, name recognition, and attractiveness, while leveraging social media. They must also navigate the complexities of gender expectations and likability. Familiarity with these factors, such as in the cases of well-known candidates like Clinton, Trump, and Biden, can significantly influence a candidate's chances.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering what general characteristics fit a person nominated for president, voters are influenced by a variety of factors. These include demographic traits, such as race, gender, and age, as well as non-political attributes like attractiveness which can convey competency. For instance, the elections of 2008 and 2016 saw significant focus on demographic milestones with candidates like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. John McCain sought judicial nominees with restraint, while Obama emphasized empathy and understanding of diverse experiences, highlighting different approaches to leadership.
Name recognition is another key factor, as voters are less likely to support candidates they don't know. This was evident in the campaigns of well-known figures like Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, who leveraged their public profiles to gain traction. Meanwhile, social media has become an increasingly vital tool for candidates to connect with voters, as demonstrated by Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, which mobilized grassroots support and engaged younger and first-time voters.
Moreover, candidates must navigate complex expectations regarding gender and likability, as seen in the differing public responses to male and female candidates. The 'likability trap' can pose additional challenges for women candidates, and those who succeed often balance gender expectations skillfully.