In yesterday's Mail Bag, I responded to a question about the Paul Ryan "pretty boy factor" with the following response (yes, I'm blockquoting myself):
"I don’t think women — even conservative women — are as easily fished-in by superficial good looks as men are. I think we all remember how creepy middle aged men went nuts for Sarah Palin and her task-master substitute teacher look, and they all but ignored the fact that she could barely string together a coherent sentence. Conservative women will still vote for Romney/Ryan, but moderate women will vote based on the usual criteria. However, try this on for size: I think men — self-identified straight men — will vote for Romney/Ryan based on their looks. It’s the “central casting presidential stereotype” factor. Way too many men could vote for the Republican ticket because they’re good looking, chiseled and — most importantly — white. This goes for both Romney and Ryan."
A matter of hours later, Ashby and Chez posted this from Sean Hannity on his radio show:
"The Ryan selection sent a jolt of electricity, and the conservative base, including myself, are energized by it even as it allows Romney now to also appeal to young voters. In one week, Paul Ryan has become a national sex symbol."
Yes, the white male conservative base has a creepy man-crush on Paul Ryan. I called it!