They surely knew we'd notice, right?
It's just gaslighting that we're all supposed to pretend isn't happening, yes?
The sudden shift from Kamala Harris being a liability to breathless reporting on her as the political wunderkind finally released from behind the geriatric shadow of Joe Biden - this is just a game we're invited to play along with, correct?
I think it's funny that even noted leftists and anti-Trump types from across the pond are noticing how silly the whole charade is:
I'm sure Dr. Blaive is somewhat aware of the inordinate power of media framing, so I'm confident she knows at least a little bit about how coverage caricatures can turn on a dime depending on how it can best fit the accepted narrative. But her question is a good one to consider: "Does it have any effect in real life?"
My best answer is yes and no. Let me explain.
Yes, I think there is an immediate effect on the general psyche of both sides of the political divide. Conservatives and Republicans are disgusted by the sudden sycophancy, and are also worried that the media can somehow will an extremely untalented and somewhat goofy public figure across the electoral finish line. Meanwhile, progressives and Democrats are optimistic and hopeful for the first time in years. They put on a brave face about the Biden baggage, but are genuinely optimistic that all the current Harris hype might prove effective in recharging the base.
Both reactions are overwrought and unwise. Given the approaching football season, perhaps an analogy would be helpful in explaining why I say that. It's a common trap for diehard fans to revere (if it's their team) or fear (if it's an opponent's team) the back-up quarterback. The starter is a known quantity, but fans or foes can project onto the back-up whatever they wish. When the starter gets pulled for poor performance, there's a fascinating surge of excitement as the back-up trots onto the field. Simultaneously, the opponent holds their breath.
Sometimes all of that comes with good reason - the back-up does extremely well early on. Opposing defenses haven't yet adjusted, and his teammates play with a renewed effort, feeding off the excitement of the fans themselves.
But what inevitably happens? How does the story almost always end?
Everyone eventually comes to see why the back-up was the back-up.
That is the most likely outcome of the current Harris hysteria.
Democrats are buying her jersey while Republicans panic and try to strategize. But the most likely outcome is that soon enough everyone is going to be reminded why this woman received zero delegates in her first presidential campaign, dropping out before the first primary.
Eventually, Harris will be burdened by what has been - what has always been with her.
Things like this:
Presumably, Harris is speaking on immigration. But seriously, read through the text of what she just said in your own voice and ask yourself if it makes any sense whatsoever:
I am meeting with a lot of folks. And the work that we have begun is the work that is going to be ongoing. There is no question, and I said this from the beginning, that our approach to this issue has to be with a commitment to a long-term investment and it has to be a commitment to consistency, the United States has to be consistent. There were times when were more engaged and we saw good results, less engaged, and we can see where the work and the partnerships then deteriorate. So I am committed to ensuring that we engage in an active way on the root causes, on addressing the cause and effect, and also being partners in the western hemisphere, understanding that we have a responsibility and if we ignore that responsibility it will visit itself upon us in a very domestic way.
This is why she couldn't make it to the primaries. This is why she was hidden from the public eye as much as possible through 3 years as vice president. This is why she was the back-up.
And it's why even the media's herculean effort to hide the real Kamala Harris behind a fictitious veil of coherence and capability is going to keep running into the same problem:
