Ryan Washes Clean Dishes, Cynicism of the Political Class

By now you probably saw the staged photo-op of Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan at a Youngstown, Ohio soup kitchen. After holding a campaign rally, Ryan and his entourage, arrived at the soup kitchen unbeknownst to the president of the faith-based charity. By then everyone had been served and the kitchen cleaned. Instead of shrugging one’s shoulders they decided to have the VP candidate rewash a few dishes… just to get that caring image out to Ohio voters.

This really is nothing new in campaigns. Each event, each moment really, is crafted to portray the candidate in the best light possible. Although, in this case, Paul Ryan got caught. Voters tend to see right through much of the campaign hoopla. It is the media that covers it day in and day out while pretending that it is somehow news. I am talking about a candidate going through the rope line, shaking hands and kissing babies after a campaign speech. They cover the speech and while analyzing the talking points show the candidate schmoozing with admirers.

None of this is really new to the casual observer. What Ryan did last weekend though should mean something. The ordeal speaks volumes. It shows the shallowness of the campaign and the man himself. He believes that a good photo-op is worth more than actually helping his fellow human beings. But again, this is a man that seems to believe all photo-ops are good ones.