How Kamala Harris is winning sympathy with just… her laugh! (Study on the charisma of politicians)

Of five images of Vice President  Kamala Harris  online, at least four show her smiling.

Harris's laugh has always been a recognizable aspect of her personality, but it has become a viral topic of discussion with the upcoming election.

Recently, former President Donald Trump criticized Harris's laugh, referring to her as " Laughing Kamala ".

Although that comment didn't go down well with voters, it opened up a conversation about the impact of the Democratic presidential candidate's jovial demeanor.

Laughter may be the best medicine, but when it comes to politics a new study suggests it may also serve a more complicated purpose.

In the often tense and tense world of politics, where every action and inaction is closely scrutinized, a politician's laugh can be a surprisingly effective tool.

Recent research suggests that humor, charm and raw courage are among the traits that contribute to political success and public appeal.

Harris, known for her charismatic laugh, has a disarming demeanor that could help her bridge the gap and connect with voters who are skeptical of her 2024 presidential bid.

According to Bill Jones, a former honorary professor of political studies at Liverpool Hope University, humor plays an important role in political success.

"We forgive people who make us laugh too much, and it could be argued that Boris Johnson based his political style to a large extent on his ability to entertain voters: by entertaining them, he managed not to politics as boring and deadly as most make it seem," Jones said.

A study from Arizona State University analyzed 350 speeches by all 50 US governors between February and May 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The researchers coded the levels of charisma in these speeches and found that higher levels of charisma significantly influenced public behavior.

Specifically, governors who showed more charisma in their speeches saw greater compliance with their requests for people to stay home.

The influence of charm and humor on voter engagement dates back hundreds of years to ancient Greece and Rome, with powerful public speakers such as Cicero and Demosthenes drawing admiration for their eloquent speeches and engagement.

Similarly, past presidents such as John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama are widely considered some of the most charismatic presidents the United States has seen over the past five decades due to their charm and speeches.

Although humor, charm, and charisma do not equate to good leadership, they are traits that can enhance a politician's public appeal and engage voters.

People naturally tend to bond with people they like, and a politician's ability to be liked, especially during campaign season, can mean more than just a brief moment of joy; it can also be a strategic tool to influence public perception and political success.

It can also be the mechanism that helps shape their political journey, especially on the surface level, making them seem more relatable and trustworthy.

A political figure like Trump has also gained support from his core voters by tailoring his charisma to a certain demographic of voters who find him likable.

Harris' laugh—among other viral moments—showed how charm, communication skills and charisma can work together to create a connection with voters.

As  Election Day approaches, it will be interesting to see which candidates lean on charisma as part of their campaign strategy.