Democrats (and, many Republicans) are on the edge of their seats, awaiting VP Kamala Harris’ choice for VP.

Ahead of this disclosure, may I take a word. / Okay, I’ll take one, anyway.

Something happens whenever our PA governor takes a podium. And, it isn’t just the dazzle. The man himself adopts a certain swagger — and, as he opens his mouth, this rhythm makes its way into his speech.

I wonder how many realize just what is evoked?

I have my own take. I think he reminds us, however subliminally, of former President Barack Obama.

Go find a video clip; judge, for yourself.

The rise and fall of his speech (this is called “inflection”) follows
Obama’s almost identically. He closes every statement with the same,
fleeting drawl. And, he looks off, eyes squinting just…….
enough……..yah. He’s imprinted.

So, what does this mean, for what the Marketing Machine likes to call “optics”?

Well, it just might signify that Governor Shapiro might already be packing his gear. Meantime, we wait – dutifully – submitting to the equally-deliberate Suspense Machine, enjoying the drama which only a Big Reveal can muster.

We are, after all, an entirely impressionable society. We thrive on celebration (and, its token celebrities), fawn after heroes, and wear our need for public image loudly on every sleeve.

Will any of us stop, and think, and consider what we’re actually being sold?

Come November, we certainly will know.

My hope is that we come to our senses — especially the one which informs discernment — well before then.

KENNEDY24….

Copyright Ruth Ann Scanzillo 8/5/24