The 2026 Political Central Casting Parade

Perhaps the best advice one could give a candidate for public office is to “be yourself.” For some, though, this is hard to do, so they just put on a smile and start campaigning. In turn, many a candidate will be labeled as “someone out of Central Casting,” meaning they are playing a role rather than running with a measure of authenticity. So what is central casting in politics, and where have we encountered it?

Politically astute Americans may remember Vice Admiral James Stockdale, Ross Perot’s 1992 running mate. Now there was someone not out of Central Casting. In the 1992 vice-presidential debate, the retired admiral even alluded to his unusual candidacy when he asked the audience, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” Even though he came out of the woodwork, Stockdale and Perot walked away from the election with 19% of the popular vote. A rare feat for an independent ticket.

What Is Central Casting in Politics?

At the opposite end of the spectrum from Stockdale is California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who appears to be running for “best in show for JFK look-alike.” Talk about someone right out of Central Casting.

Newsom has a breezy air about him, which some believe is disingenuous and downright smarmy. Politicos on the right have labeled the fair-haired Golden State governor slimy, slippery, oily – and, above all, unctuous.  These are the opposite of President Kennedy’s characteristics, who came off as authentic, exceptionally smooth, and had a way of charming people – especially the media.

Of course, there are some elected leaders in the United States who defy definition. President Donald Trump fits into this category. He is an original who is not shy about sharing who he really is. One can easily sense that he is not acting a part or trying to mimic someone else. Trump essentially set a new role in the political play, and now there is a search for someone to take over his part as the Palm Beach billionaire winds down his presidency.

If Trump remains relatively popular for the rest of his term, Republican strategists will be seeking someone out of Central Casting to take over for him in 2028. Vice President JD Vance appears to have all the right talking points but behaves very differently from his current boss. Then there’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who combines the charm of JFK (especially with the media) and has the same policy outlook as the president. But neither of these men is Trump 2.0, and that may mean the GOP will have to head back to the casting couch to see whether others, such as former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, can fill the bill.