Presidential race and dating: Not so different

By Gavin Shulman | amNewYork Dating Columnist

6:26 PM EDT, May 8, 2008

With the race to the White House getting hotter every day, I couldn't help but see the similarities in choosing a potential presidential candidate and a potential boyfriend or girlfriend.

Both begin with a declaration of intentions: I want to go on a date with you, versus, I want to dictate your health care, taxes and overall quality of life. (The latter is the presidential candidate, if you couldn't tell).

Once a platform is built, the real fun can begin.

The primary season is the part in the process of picking a president, or a partner, where you gauge whether there is a realistic chance for success.

For daters this consists, naturally, of dating and trying to figure out who is right for you.

For candidates, this consisting of campaigning or trying to convince people that you're right for them.

Next, both dating and campaigning involve some discomfort. Both involve fake smiles and forced interactions. Both involve going to places you'd really rather not. And both involve participating in activities you really wish you didn't have to, be it bowling, holding hands, making grand speeches or lifting a stranger's baby.

Then, of course, come the debates, where you see whether your candidate or suitor will hold up under the pressure of the bright lights of commitment.

Will they run for the hills the first chance they get? Will they stubbornly defend all their positions?

Bring on the smear tactics. Your personal life pundits just aren't sure that they're right for you and try in every conversation to convince you otherwise. They dig up any dirt they can find about an old relationship and why it went sour.

And then, finally, afer the months of chatter and polling, it's time to make a decision.

Whether it's popular or not you'd better make the decision you think is right because once you pull that lever, you may wind up being stuck with your chosen person. For at least a few years anyway.

Want to try your hand as a Kiss & Tell columnist? E-mail jgordon@am-ny.com.