If you were looking for yet another example of how modern politics is like a reality show, the perfect example of our superficiality has emerged: The debate over Marco Rubio’s boots.
Let’s put aside the fact that we should be more worried about ISIS, and really examine this. Rubio’s boots were allegedly “high-heeled,” but you could say that about any pair of cowboy boots that Ted Cruz, Rick Perry—or any number of other pols—frequently sport. Were they just too stylish? Maybe if the boots were brown and he were wearing jeans it wouldn’t have evoked this response?
Even if his choice of cosmopolitan (read effete) footwear is what opened the door to mockery, the allegation now seems to be that he is “heightening“—which, anyone who has seen Seinfeld knows—is an unpardonable sin.
I don’t know if Rubio (who is probably about average height for any business outside of presidential politics) was trying to look taller or if he just likes the boots. But here’s the thing, attempting to look taller might be an obvious move for any man—no matter how vertically challenged. That’s because tall men make more money, women are more attracted to tall men, and taller men also tend to win elections.
In fairness, height has always mattered (see Washington and Lincoln). It’s not like we moved past caring about it in the modern era, either (see Jon Lovitz as Michael Dukakis). But what was once mostly implicit is now explicit. The Washington Post recently devoted an entire story on how tall each of the candidates are. I can think of more profane ways of measuring one’s manhood, but we are clearly slouching toward Idiocracy. (Okay, we’re not slouching; that might make us look shorter!)
The obvious problem here is that it’s not prudent for a civilized nation to pick its leaders based on cognitive biases regarding things like height, hair, or attractiveness. Other attributes (virtue, wisdom, knowledge, judgment, philosophy, etc.) would obviously be greater predictors of leadership success. And yet, these things clearly are a factor. That says more about the state of our culture than it does about Rubio.
So what should Rubio do? Voters are right to care about things like authenticity, but the best way to demonstrate authenticity is to wear whatever damn shoes you like. So here’s my advice: If the boot fits, wear it.
* * *
Pre-order Matt’s book ‘Too Dumb to Fail,’ follow him on Twitter and Facebook, and download his podcast on iTunes.