Thesis: Stop thinking about whether they are likeable or not… there will be time enough for that later.
As much as the presidency is a person, it is also an institution, and we would more accurately make responsible decisions in presidential elections by thinking of the office as a very powerful and ideally coordinated committee, with the ballot in the chairmanship. The vice-presidency, members of the cabinet, and appointees to other governmental position can have as much stake as the office-holder him or herself.
Which is why, unlike the claims of the McCain campaign, there is no responsible way to make a choice here based strictly on the personality and temparament of the choice. Candidates’ views on the issues are of paramount importance, because this will determine the appointments they make.
Consider, for example, the following:
New York Times: In Candidates, 2 Approaches to Wall Street.