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The whole system is, on face value, total BS. But, like most things American, it is essential BS.
From Dukakis in the tank, to Kerry ordering cheesesteaks, to McCain acting like a born-again Christian, to Romney going to the state fairs and pretending to have seen non-rich people (and uncut grass) before. It's nonsense.
BUT - there is a value to it. The whole thing is a big pressure cooker, designed to bring out the real person. No one can "fake it" for the entire span (W is an exception, but he had practice as a spoiled rich kid being transplanted to Texas). The real person usually comes out - qualities and flaws.
In addition, it tests the mettle of the candidate. If they can take the non-stop meet-n-greets, stupid questions, and constant distractions in stride - then it suggests that they can be level-headed in times of crises at the White House. You have to be able to keep it together.
And do not underestimate the impact that things like the bowling trip have. People like to think they matter, they like to be appreciated and heard. His performance at the lanes didn't even matter - in some cases, stinking at bowling but being able to laugh at yourself in the process may gain you just as many (if not more) supporters.
I know many of my in-laws (in the rural NW part of the state) who were die-hard GOP voters that now like Hillary - because she fought for them and they feel like they matter to her. She is a GREAT Senator by all accounts. She must be, to have swayed the people in those northern counties.
Do people know it is BS? Of course! But they appreciate that they mattered enough to have a future President jump through hoops like a circus seal for them. Name me one King or Queen of England that would do that!
It's the game. Watch seasons 4+5 of The Wire - really opens your eyes to how crappy the election process is.
As for this being a test of characted and keeping one's head / cool / integrity...can anyone say that Hillary has passed?
