No candidate can succeed in American elections without prior 'name recognition' among the voters, and people who are already stars don't have to squander their campaign funds in order to win it. That's one of the reasons why Hollywood stars such as Tom Hanks and Barbra Streisand, and sports stars like Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken, are often rumoured to be flirting with political careers. Yet fame isn't always essential. Ventura wasn't famous when he started his campaign. But he was a natural star, who made himself the centre of the entire election through looks, attitude and personality.
Fame is a fickle lady.
Guys like you who chase her hard never lay a hand on her and guys like me who act like she doesn't exist, we are the guys she loves. You're obsolete, Al. The fringe is the centre now. Even Bill Bradley must be thanking his lucky stars that Ventura has pledged to stay home in Minnesota next year.