This paper examines the psychological elements driving leaders and followers and the dynamic of their relationship to each other — with particular reference to recent Australian political leadership and experience. Building upon the work of Lasswell, Barber and Little, the paper analyses how political affect connects leaders and followers in the formation and mobilization of publics. The paper provides case studies of the leadership styles of three recent Australian Prime Ministers — Whitlam, Keating and Howard — and explores the resonance between the leader's world-view and emotional signature and the salient beliefs and passions of their followers.