Nancy Armour likened Caitlin Clark and Patrick Mahomes to Michael Jordan. But not in a good way. She is dismayed that these superstar athletes won’t endorse a presidential candidate. Maybe that’s because Patrick and Caitlin both know positions make you less likable. And, their brands rely on being likeable.
Watch. I say I like up. You want down. You like me a little less. I say right. You want left. Liked less. Sharks-Jets. Celtics-Romans. Jets-Bills. Celtics-Lakers. If I take a side, I’m going to upset someone. Or, many someones.
The other day, Jack Tapper was chatting with Josh Stein. Josh is the other guy running for NC governor. Is that the plummest gig on the electoral board or what? Jake asked Josh if Kamala Harris should explain her positions. As Stein hemmed and hawed to toe whatever the party line is or tiptoe around it, I was struck by how many people want Harris to have positions.
Why? In an election where Harris is running against a positioned, polarizing candidate, she’s going to get votes for not being him. The electorate needs to be able to project onto Harris whatever they care about without worrying they might not like her position. Projectorate, nice. I like fracking. I’m for Harris. I don’t like fracking. I’m for Harris. I like the border the way it is. Harris. I want the border the way it was. Harris. If not having positions is by design, it’s a masterclass in strategy. Anyway, that’s my position. You’re welcome to dislike it.