For an extensive discussion and assessment of the framework, see Anderson J. E. and E. Wincoop, Gravity in Gravitas A solution to the Border Puzzle , American Economic Review, 93, 2003. pp. 170 92.

On the contrary, there remain lingering doubts about his gravitas, not to mention serious concerns about the realism or the wisdom of his program. But, unlike his former companion, Ségolène Royal, who challenged Sarkozy for the presidency in 2007, he looks and sounds real.

One can only hope that she will prove her critics wrong. For those women in India who have proven themselves to be effective leaders in all segments of society, it would be wonderful if she can demonstrate early on that she has the intellectual and professional gravitas that befits the position.

Indeed, the inexperience of the prime minister and the defense minister are unprecedented in Israel s history. Olmert, who stepped into Ariel Sharon s shoes as leader of the new Kadima Party, was considered a competent but lackluster parliamentarian and later mayor of Jerusalem who was known more for his polemical style than for his political stature or gravitas.