The Debate To Trigger More Debates
Had Trump been hassled and Harris-ed by Kamala in the much-awaited debate between the two Presidential hopefuls? Democrats may reply Swiftly, 'Harris is Taylor made for the White House'. 'Debatable', Trump's Republican supporters may aver.
Dance & Debate of Democracy
Cool Chilli bemusedly watches this 'dance of democracy' in the world's biggest economy. It may be unfair to compare this two-coloured (Blue and Red) election festival with the Holi like colourful spectacle that the world's oldest and largest democracy offers. The US elections also offers its fair share of fun and humour for bystanders, especially if we are neutral.
The Grasp Beyond WASP
To many of her Democratic supporters, especially women, Kamala Harris represents possibly the biggest potential for change in the US. Possibly even Hillary Clinton did not trigger the same kind of enthusiasm among her lady supporters. Kamala may have her own skeletons that she wishes would fade away, some decisions in her career not being really laudable. But by and large she had seemed above reproach. Apart from being a woman, she is also half-African, half Asian and married to a White.
Karma Trips Kamala, et tu Harris
... and then, it happened. On the occasion of Grandparents' Day, Kamala Harris waxed nostalgic and eloquent about her maternal grandfather. Unwarrantedly adding a halo to him with some blatant untruths. One telling quotable quote by Mark Twain among the few aphorisms on ageing here says it all. As she grows older, she may perhaps be forgiven for remembering things that never were. But in so doing, she may also be unwittingly feeding Donald's Trumpet. One of the key volleys by Trump against the Biden Presidency had been the President's age and his inability to cope with memory losses and lapses.
Ageing Synapses & Memory Lapses
Speaking of losses and lapses, it may not always be related to ageing synapses. Often it may be intentional as well. A well-known public figure, currently on tour in the US, is offering some relief to those Americans ruing the poor choice in front of them for Head of Government positions. One of the biggest sources of solace for us humans (if not cause for happiness), is noting that our friend or neighbour has it worse. As wittily observed in the Bollywood film, 'Three Idiots', we may feel sad if our friend fails his exams. But it is true misery to see him/ her ranking first!
Balm for Frayed Nerves
This celebrity is balm not just for America's frayed nerves. In India too, many follow him with a lot of mirth. The ruling party may even secretly acknowledge him as a strong reason (if not the most critical one) for being in power. Folks have even credited him with having single-handedly reduced the main party in opposition to an also ran status.
Forgettable Mistakes Becoming Money-spinners
This comic's fans and sycophants may well be personally disappointed, though in public, they may remain as cacophonous as ever about their idol and idolatry. But in one's humble opinion, they may also be looking for wins in the wrong direction. Just as many corporate products that have proved big money-spinners actually began life as forgettable mistakes, we may be looking at the celebrity through the wrong lens. Imagine, we are fortunate enough to be living in these times. Witnessing this country's biggest ever non-intellectual export in action. A sit-down comic!
The Sit-down Comic
As a sit-down comic with a very earnest and serious demeanor, he is a riot. There are also some who opine that once he becomes well-known for his talks too (not just walks), he may go places without having to actually walk the extra mile. A few even hazard the opinion that once this gentleman becomes a commercial success, a European state may also like to openly 'claim his citizenship'.
Aiyyo!
One had recently been at a restaurant in Bangalore which one heard often plays host to social media icons of the influencer and the 'laughter infuser' kind. Maybe one got carried away in the heat of a particular discussion and raised the voice in excitement... a tad more than social politeness may permit. One put forth the view about the nation's biggest comic export (without the European citizenship part)... and Shraddhenly from a table nearby came a howl, 'Aiyyo'
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