In regards to my column on Wednesday, I received this very thoughtful email from Robert:

Can a candidate inoculate themselves against being known *as* a politician by becoming known *as* something else -- particularly if that something else is an emotionally charged identity? Is that part of the success of say, Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger: that the psychological and emotional box on their identity sheet was already checked off as "actor." I think this is as good an explanation as I've seen for a recurrent theme in recent politics of the already famous non-politician having rapid success.

I think this is an intribuing point. The parties are often interested in recruiting Actors, Atheletes and Astronauts because of their name recognition, and - I would think - the reason Robert outlines here. The public might be more hesitant to identify them as a politician, even though they are running for political office. This can help them in their initial quest for office. It might also help them retain some measure of credibility as the years go by and others in their position would come to be known as politicians.