That, at least, might be overcome by the direct election of a local personality to run local services.

ECONOMIST: Local government

The format he chose was to tell a story in a direct, quick and articulate manner, allowing his personality to shine through.

FORBES: The 6 Great Social Media Losses of 2011

For anyone seeking to understand the origins of Gore's political personality, routinely characterized as stiff and oddly formal, there are clues to be found in the direct line that traces back through the family to their political hero, Cordell Hull.

CNN: Excerpt: 'The Prince of Tennessee: The Rise of Al Gore'