In 2000, I voted for George W. Bush in my second grade class election because he seemed like the cuter candidate according to the after-school special I watched on Nickelodeon. I didn’t know anything about politics. Now, I’m much more concerned with the candidates’ views on political issues, and yet, I can’t help but notice that Obama knows how to rock a suit. While most politicians are several decades older than we are and almost always married with kids, it doesn’t hurt to play pretend. Here’s Her Campus’s guide to the most dateable political candidates of 2012 – just don’t let this sway your vote!
Barack Obama
His politics: As the incumbent Democrat in the presidential election, Barack Obama’s platform includes affordable health care for all, extending tax cuts for the middle class, increasing funding for Pell Grants, and promoting women’s rights and LGBT rights.
Why he’s dateable: Barack is friends with Jay-Z and is one of the sweetest fathers around to his two daughters, Malia and Sasha. But most importantly, he’s head over heels in love with Michelle. That kind of passion – even when he holds one of the toughest jobs in the world – shows that he’s a keeper!
His ideal first date: An avid basketball fan, Barack would take you to the front row of a game of hoops… and then get caught on kiss cam!
Mitt Romney
His politics: Formerly serving as a governor from Massachusetts and now running as the Republican candidate for the presidency, Mitt supports reduced government spending, repealing Obama’s health care plan, and increased funding of national defense.
Why he’s dateable: Mitt’s deep pockets have been no secret during this election. If he can splurge on a meal outside the dining hall, that can only be a good thing! You’ll be able to enjoy a big night out on the town at that fancy restaurant you’ve been dying to try. And with his squeaky-clean values, you know he’ll take things respectfully slow.
His ideal first date: Mitt is a traditional guy. We bet his favorite type of a date is the tried-and-true combination of dinner and a movie.
Scott Brown
His politics: Scott is the Republican senator from Massachusetts, elected to fill the spot of the late Ted Kennedy. His policies include lowering taxes, increasing standardization and accountability in schools, and repealing Obama’s health care plan.
Why he’s dateable: The silver fox might look pretty respectable in a suit and tie now, but in 1982, he won Cosmo’s “America’s Sexiest Man” contest when he was a senior at Boston College. He posed nude for their centerfold. Go ahead, swoon at his biceps. (That’s all you’re looking at, right?)
His ideal first date: You might know Scott’s daughter Ayla from her run on American Idol in 2006 and from her beautiful performance of the National Anthem at the Republican National Convention. How sweet would it be to listen to an Ayla Brown performance alongside Scott?
Aaron Schock
His politics: Aaron represents Illinois as a Republican. He supports repealing Obama’s health care plan, maximizing funding for Pell grants, and lowering taxes.
Why he’s dateable: Aaron showed off his abs of steel on the cover of Men’s Health, modeled (quite successfully, we might add) for GQ, and won Huffington Post’s “Hottest Freshman” poll in 2009. There’s also this photo floating around. And at 31, Schock is by far one of the country’s youngest Congressmen… (not to mention, also one of the cutest).
His ideal first date: He may have a serious job, but we still see him as a frat boy at heart. Ready to hit the bars?
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Ed Ableser
His politics: Ed is a Democratic Congressman from Arizona. His legislative priorities include increasing funding for education and harnessing solar power.
Why he’s dateable: Although he’s served in Congress since 2007, he hasn’t let his fame get the better of him. He still works as a school-based mental health counselor and is working on his fourth degree – so not only is he politically savvy, but he’s also quite the hard worker. Ed also recently converted to Mormonism.
His ideal first date: We see Ed as the type to like to take things slow. He might take you on a first date to a cozy coffee shop – maybe the same one he studies for all those degrees at?
Paul Ryan
His politics: Paul is a Republican Congressman from Wisconsin and is also Mitt Romney’s running mate. His platform includes lowering government spending and taxes, repealing Obama’s health care plan, and preserving Social Security.
Why he’s dateable: To quote Janis Ian, Paul is a “regulation hottie.” He avoids sweets and fried foods, follows an intense P90X regimen, and boasts an impressive six to eight percent body fat. This beach photo was snapped six years before he got serious about fitness, so you can only imagine he’s in even better shape today! (And have you seen those baby blues?)
His ideal first date: Paul is a fitness nut, so get ready to work up a sweat! He might take you for a beautiful bike ride or to hike up a challenging trail.
Cedric Richmond
His politics: Cedric is a Democratic Congressman from Louisiana. His platform includes increasing funding for education, crime prevention, and reducing health care costs.
Why he’s dateable: Forget the dumb jock stereotype – Cedric has both brains and braun. He’s a Tulane-educated lawyer who’s passionate about restoring New Orleans, but if he weren’t working in politics, he’d want to coach college basketball. And in the Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game, he was the star of the day.
His ideal first date: Doesn’t a walk through the coolest parts of New Orleans on a sunny afternoon sound perfect? We bet Cedric would be up for playing tour guide!
Martin Heinrich
His politics: This New Mexico Congressman is running for the Democratic Senate seat. His platform includes a commitment to renewable energy projects, bringing jobs back to New Mexico, and keeping Medicare public.
Why he’s dateable: We did our best to round up any dirt on Martin, but his record is totally clean. Sorry, ladies, no Cosmo centerfolds here. But that means he’ll be a great study buddy (or “study buddy” – up to you!) and he’s the ideal candidate to take home to Mom and Dad.
His ideal first date: Martin is passionate about supporting the environment. For date number one, he’ll take you to his favorite park to enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful fall weather. Pack a picnic!