I do not mean the slick books and television advertisements that are produced for their campaigns. While image consultants and acting ability can mask a candidate’s character, an integrated life over time is the best basis to judge the authenticity of the next president’s temperament and how he will govern.
但选民可以检验的最重要变量就是候选人的传记。我指的不是那些在竞选期间诞生的粉饰书籍和电视广告。虽然形象顾问和表演能力可以装扮一位候选人的品性，但一个长期的生活面貌则是判断下一任总统真实脾气及其管治能力的最佳依据。