The Not So Dumb Blond Club: The likability Factor

People love blonds. Why? Because, first impression, they are no threat. But let's take a closer look at two beloved blonds who don't fit the dumb mold. Diane Sawyer and Kate Snow.

Diane, who has the faint aura of a Grace Kelly, cool and calm, yet admired for her aplomb, was respected as a reporter on 60 Minutes. She's become more of a gal pal as the co-anchor, with Charlie Gibson (who left a few months ago), of Good Morning America, yet retains her distance. We don't want her to be too chummy with guests--it's a bit like sleeping with the enemy. We want her to be able to get the story even if it's no 60 Minutes undercover revelation, without being pushy or a pushover. We like her because we know she's smart. As a bonus she's got a talented husband, Mike Nichols, and she's paid her dues. But that's doesn't really explain the likability factor....

There's something about being a mom that warms the heart like no single woman can. And that's one reason why Kate Snow, co-anchor of ABC News' weekend edition of Good Morning America, may very well be Sawyer's replacement. We see Snow trekking across Africa in the back seat of a jeep, sending a video postcard to her husband and 4 year old son back at the GMA studios. She's clearly missing them, but also really connected to them while doing her her job. And who doesn't love a woman whose husband handles the kids when she's away on an adventure?

Can't you just see yourself bumping along over the terrain on the African Savanna right along with her? The other "Mom" qualities we love in Kate are that natural ease she has of just being herself. She's cozy. She might even scream at her kids like a real mom, and repent for it later. We can see ourselves having a girl on girl talk. There's a lack of artifice that pulls down any barriers we may have had to trusting her.

In the Gallup poll taken during each presidential election since 1960, voters have been asked to rate the candidates based upon three criteria: their stand on the issues: their party affiliation; and their likability. The candidate who scored highest in the likability category, a uniquely emotional brain criterion, has won every election. Higher ratings in either of the other two more logically oriented categories were not reliable indicators of success.

Likability, isn't just important at the polls, it's important on the air. Kate Snow, you have my vote to be the next co-anchor of Good Morning America. You go girl.

Tags: Kate Snow, Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America, GMA,