Famous examples of both types can be found in many ex-presidents. President Jackson was famous and popular for his common touch, while Washington was so grave he would never make it in today's politics. Jimmy Carter was instantly likable, but it did little to insulate his political career. Richard Nixon was undeniably one of the 20th century's most serious political personalities, but his intensity was upsetting to many. The presidency has been both cruel and kind to the serious and the charming.
History has no clear answer to the charisma question.
Studying this race cannot help but make one wonder whether the end of the last century did not mark a permanent shift in American politics. It seems that young William Clinton looked to this man and learned a great many political lessons about the art of seeming familiar and accessible to the public. For it was this quality that made Clinton the successful president he is today. Higher-ups in the Republican party have finally gotten wise to this new iteration. And this is why, in many ways, Gore is too old-fashioned for this race.