There are politicians who are capable of changing their images (shape-shifters) so that what you see today is not what they were in previous years. Yes, we know that positions once popular have to be changes for the times have shifted so what you once said must be reversed without too much explanation. Most politicians can do for themselves but there is so much involved in the elections of this great country that presentations of homey images and humble beginnings as well as sharp-edged educations must be turned over to specialists in honing the images that will sell to the very many different publics that dot our country-sides. You cannot say the same things in the same way to Red Neck America that you can say to Urban America. You must watch your step when you address Castro’s enemies who are now proud Hispanic American citizens. You have to very, very careful when discussing or advocating anything with tinges of color in it.
It is instructive to follow the new career on paper and TV of the putative next President of the U.S., formerly Governor of Alaska. She is both cheered and feared in her role as the second to the President who many have already foretold his age and health will not allow him to last out one term as the Republican 44th President. His Vice-President then looks large on any screen you choose to peruse. Sara Palin is being groomed by the engineers of elections to smooth out her cheery good looks and resume of Governor, Mayor and Gun toting Mom of five. The retelling and recasting the story that she is really a genuine candidate for the President partially because of all the Moms’ out there who identify with her as they could not with Hillary Rodham Clinton whose baggage has been examined scrupulously and found to be unworthy of the job. But Palin will have those qualifications if the engineers have anything to say about it.
I recently threw away a script that I should have used and found that I had to grope for words and forgot to say a great many things that were more important than the words I actually used. You have to be carefully prepared before you step up before any group to bare you soul or explain yourself.
The reality of having to rearrange your curriculum vitae or to erase some of the problematical things you espoused earlier in your life is very important – particularly in Presidential or Congressional elections. The people representing us present themselves to our inspection and many are found to be frauds – but, unfortunately, too late – we elected them.
I guess the reality of this election IS the amount of money you can pay the engineers to craft the slogans for your side and lies about the other side. That is why in every mailing we get we are asked for money so our side will win. Whose side is best? Most voters have already made up their minds but it is the uncommitted that the engineers are out to convince. The next President is more of the same or something quite different – we hope.