The reason that people get shingles later in life is down to a vexing characteristic of the chickenpox virus. It goes dormant, hides, then pops back up again. The varicella-zoster virus can sit around for years before it decides to flare up again in mid-life to old age, and the shingles it produces are usually much worse and more painful than the original bout of chickenpox.
Vice President Kamala Harris has gone from chickenpox to shingles. Americans have had to endure the infection for the past four years (her vice presidency), but after losing the 2024 presidential race to Donald Trump she has reactivated (the shingles). OK, the analogy isn’t perfect—it’s not quite as painful listening to her muddle through words because we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. There’s just more than a month to go before she leaves the White House finally, which is probably what makes it bearable.
But like varicella-zoster, today’s Kam-Kam is a more virulent “strain.” Or, an even drunker strain. Harris is the queen of word salad, hauling out the exact same lines in every interview. When asked a direct question about anything, from gas prices to foreign policy, Harris would repeat some non-sequitur about the “hopes, dreams, and ambitions of the American people.” Former Fox News anchor turned podcast host Megyn Kelly is probably the foremost commentator on Harris’ glossolalia. This 53-second clip is worth your time.
Observers have long speculated on whether Harris has a problem with booze, or perhaps prescription drugs. What explains her inability to respond normally to straightforward questions? Others have asked if she has some sort of executive function disorder (aside from her incompetence as vice president). The woman’s affect and speech patterns are that bizarre.
How do we explain her nails-on-chalkboard “consolation” video to her supporters after losing the election? She sounded like your old college friend leaving drunk voicemails at 1:30 a.m. with her “don’t you ever let anyone take your power from you” message.
She’s at it again, and it’s getting harder to find plausible non-alcoholic excuses. Check out this recent clip from C-Span, including the trademark cackle.
Dreams and ambitions, baby. Let’s see what X/Twitter had to say.
Family resemblance:
This guy thinks it’s just old-fashioned dumb.
Family resemblance II:
This one has alliteration.
