There’s a certain irony in the way some politicians think they can simply reinvent themselves and still win the hearts of everyday Americans. In a world where authenticity is more valued than ever, it’s amusing to see the grand theatrics in Washington where the so-called epiphanies and transformations are as choreographed as a Broadway play. They expect us to believe that their sudden enlightenment is genuine, yet their actions scream otherwise. For years, certain factions in politics have spun narratives that suit their agendas, only now they’re tangled in their own web of deceit. Quite the curious case of political amnesia, isn’t it?

Now, there’s a thought floating around that these political shape-shifters believe they can win ordinary folks over by pretending to take part in traditional “guy stuff,” like MMA, football, and fixing trucks. As if putting on a cap and donning a jersey is enough to suddenly make them relatable. It’s like watching your math teacher trying to rap—unconvincing and slightly cringe-worthy. Genuine leaders show their true selves, quirks and all, and don’t base their personas on which way the political wind blows. People gravitate towards authenticity, even with imperfections, because it’s real.

But, oh, the delusion doesn’t stop there. The misguided notion that Americans on the edge, facing economic hardships or chaos at the borders, will find solace in superficial declarations is beyond baffling. Grand gestures and declarations are akin to selling used cars—peddling words that sound good in theory but often fall apart under scrutiny. Perhaps it’s time these politicians took a leaf out of the regular American’s book on how to be genuine. But then, as the saying goes, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks—or, in this case, you can’t teach an old politico authenticity.

Gavin Newsom’s California series serves as a striking example. Despite a leftward journey that’s proven disastrous, any claims of reevaluation are just more strategic chess moves in the quest for power. Pretending like a shift to the right is on the horizon ignores the foundational issues. When the ideals of accountability, school choice, and border security already resonate more with the other side, what truly new offerings are on the table? It’s like trying to sell ice to an Eskimo—pointless when they’re already well-stocked.

Finally, feast your eyes on the saga of California’s high-speed rail—a project that’s become somewhat of a punchline. Billions of dollars and over a decade later, Californians are still waiting for a track to appear, while other nations zip along on lightning-fast railways. If there was ever a metaphor for governmental inefficiency and overregulation, it’s this. It’s a train wreck where the train never left the station. California aims to be the modern tech mecca, yet it’s bogged down by bureaucracy and red tape so thick it would require a hacksaw just to make the first cut. In trying to move forward, it seems California left a banana peel underfoot. You’re not a first world nation just because you can hold a tech conference. You have to be able to build, maintain, and act instead of living in a perpetual state of tangled red flags and empty promises.