The Republicans: Its’ like the Real Housewives only they’re
Presidential candidates and instead of being in one city, they move from state
to state each week. Otherwise it’s the same lowest common denominator
personality driven "stuff". A subset of our population has watched / rubbernecked
this format and the Media is smart, knows this will sell, and doesn’t care about its public trust enough
to not leverage it in this campaign cycle.
So the Networks just follow the formula; each week there’s a Town Hall
or Debate, the sound bites get re-purposed in the following news cycles, and a
couple of days later the Stations report the primary results and have their
talking heads opine about them. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Leading the charge is the Nielsen gift that keeps on giving – Donald J –
who is more than happy to prop everyone’s ratings. We’ve gotten so
used to and desensitized by his Brand on The Apprentice that the only
difference now is instead of his opening sequence being “Money, Money, Money”
by the O’Jays Sunday nights on NBC, he’s on every channel
all the time and, oh yes, he happens to be running for President. Aside from that nothing has changed and it seems apparent to much
of the population that that one variable – seeking the highest office in
the land - isn’t a biggie. So Disney, Moonves, and NBC run this all the way to the
convention and then we’ll see if Trump is voted off the island.
The Democrats: Meanwhile the remainder of the AlbertFinney/Network folk that feel like they’ve been screwed for the last 30 years
and haven’t been consumed by that anger are “Feelin the Bern” based on the
Senator from Vermont’s Vision. However when asked in debates for his
tactical plans to enact his strategies…he’s still seems to be working on that...while
Hillary is there to describe how she’ll execute - on his messaging. She should be
thankful he’s in the race. Every Ali needs a Frazier – look what happened to
Tyson when he didn’t have a worthy opponent for all those years. As Hill still doesn’t
seem to be a compelling candidate – even sans pant suits - she can stay close
to Bernie ideologically and then take those delegates/voters to the finish line
because they won’t not vote after the lather that Sen. Sanders whips them into –
especially considering what may happen if they don’t. The only reason they’ll
stay home on the first Tuesday in November is because they’re packing for
Canada. She’s like the efficient Subaru that’s drafting behind a Mack Truck
going cross-country on I-80.
Keep in mind that we’re still seven months out from the general
election and this is a marathon probably with additional twists and turns further on
down the road. It reminds me of that old Bugs Bunny cartoon that ends with “RabbitSeason, Duck Season, Rabbit Season, Duck Season, Elmer Season”.
Who knows, with “The Most Interesting Man in The World” recently
announcing his retirement, perhaps Mr. Real Estate has that new "terrific" and "huge" opportunity to
focus on which is more aligned to his persona.
