Does Character Matter?

Character is the collection of mental and emotional traits that define, in part, who we are as individuals, groups, and nations. (adapted from Webster's New Seventh Dictionary) Some of the attributes or features of character are: virtue (moral excellence), honesty, integrity, perseverance in the face of adversity,  temperament, loyalty, and devotion to another person or cause; or lack thereof.  We often say that someone is a person of good or bad character.

Prior to Bill Clinton's presidency, it was widely believed that the voters cared about the character of the president.  However, he remained a popular public figure despite character failures.  Opinion makers concluded that the voters were no longer as concerned about the character of the president, or presidential candidates,  as they once were.

QUESTION:  How do you feel about that?