nelson-ga,
Correa clearly cuts an image that is young, energetic and handsome:
http://www.rafaelcorrea.com/images/rafael_correa.jpg
quite a contrast to his key opponent in the race, Alvaro Noboa:
http://www.elcomercio.com/nv_images/fotos/2006/10/ec02_p_NOBOA.jpg
Still, I could find only a few English-language stories on the race
that made any mention of Correa's looks as a possible factor, most
observers speaking of an anti-establishment 'tide' that is sweeping
much of Latin America, and is favorable to leftist politicians like
Correa. His 'cuteness' was a factor, certainly, but does not strike
me as a big one in this particular race.
Here are a few excerpts that mention his appearance:
Ecuador's Leftist Front-Runner; Radical Rhetoric of Presidential Bid
Seen in Part as Posturing
15 October 2006
The Washington Post
...Correa's meteoric rise -- a month ago he was in third place -- is
attributed largely to widespread disgust with traditional politicians
and disillusionment with market reforms that failed to deliver
prosperity. Tall, boyishly handsome and gifted as a speaker, Correa
represents a sharp contrast with Noboa, who gives wheelchairs and cash
to poor supporters, and the third-place candidate, Leon Roldos, a
longtime politician and former vice president with little magnetism.
"He's the Robin Hood who is selling hope," said Blasco Penaherrera,
who is president of the Quito Chamber of Commerce and has spoken at
length with Correa about economics. "That's why Rafael Correa is the
front-runner and why he may win the election on Sunday."
====================================
Ecuadorean presidential hopeful in uphill battle against radical front-runner
4 October 2006
Associated Press
In a country plagued by corruption, Roldos' strongest selling point is
a reputation for honesty...But some political analysts doubt that will
be enough for the gray-haired Roldos -- whose dry speech is accented
by a lisp he has had since childhood -- to match the charisma of the
tall, handsome, blue-eyed Correa.
...Correa, 43, was a political unknown in April 2005, when he was
appointed economy minister. He was forced to resign after only four
months when he failed to consult outgoing President Alfredo Palacio
before publicly lambasting the World Bank for denying Ecuador a US$100
million (euro80 million) loan....But he has surged recently in the
polls, wowing crowds of poor, disenfranchised Ecuadoreans with
anti-U.S. rhetoric and promises to clean up corruption.
======================================
Reporters on the Job
28 November 2006
The Christian Science Monitor
Campaign Kiss: Staff writer Sara Miller Llana was covering the
presidential campaign of Ecuadorean front-runner Rafael Correa last
week, when she suddenly got an unexpected smooch. "He was going by
shaking hands with the crowd, and kissed me on the cheek, which in
Latin America is not an unusual act," she says. "Up close, he's quite
handsome, and I was smitten briefly - but not enough to affect my
objectivity or judgment!"
=======================================
I'm sorry to hear you won't be frequenting Google Answers any more,
but perhaps another service will come along that can better meet your
needs. I do hope this answer, possibly your and my last, meets with
your satisfaction. But if there's anything more I can do for you,
just holler.
All the best in the new year,
dave |
