Tunney is portrayed as a quintessential hero, characterized by his clean lifestyle, intelligence, and good manners. Despite these admirable traits, he lacks the charisma that typically endears someone to the public, much like the baseball legend Lou Gehrig. This absence of a captivating personality prevents him from receiving the affection that one might expect from a figure with his qualities.

Bill Bryson's "One Summer: America, 1927" highlights how societal factors influence the perception of heroes. Even with his many virtues, Tunney's inability to connect emotionally with the public underscores the idea that fame often hinges on more than just personal attributes; it requires a certain magnetic charm that can evoke a strong bond with the audience.