Politicians dress to avoid frightening the lowest common denominator (which these days is very low) and to avoid providing ammo for those who hate them and want to criticize their everything. Ironic because at the same time dribbling idiots mock politicians they soon after imitate them and believe it's the only correct thing to wear. Thus the fears and insecurities of the mob reinforce and justify themselves. I think this is the democratic mediocrity Baudelaire spoke of.

Having been involved in politics long ago, you are taught that small/tight patterns are a no-no as they result in wavy distortion when on TV.  This (along with some cultural stereotypes) explains the absence of pinstripes, small checks, herringbones, and similar in the average political wardrobe and the tendency to plain block colours. Might be less of an issue in these HDTV days, but I think the habits die hard.  Cameron's checks are just at the borderline of suitability.  Any smaller and they would cause mayhem under the cameras.

I have to say it is something that stays with me still, despite having been out of that world for many a long year, and my own wardrobe is weighted towards plain blue/grey suits and plain ties, with only large stripes/checks in the shirts.

Yeah it matters some. Of course the country won't stop suddenly, but we would miss out on the chance to progress and would probably deal with some unfortunate incidents that could have been avoided.

Obama is a good example. He is a fairly intelligent guy who I think is trying to do the right thing, but his complete ineptitude at the business of politics has done an immeasurable amount of damage in lost opportunity. If he had Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan's persuasiveness, he would be unstoppable.

And these idiots are like him on steroids, minus the intellect.

Also, Eisenhower was one of our best presidents.