Many people, particularly on the Right, talk about the “Uniparty”, which is some true elite that rules over the people. There is an underlying and unifying connection between Democrats and Republicans: The quest for filthy lucre.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D—AZ), it turns out, hawked a Chinese “vitalizer”, which brings the type of political baggage that could sink higher political prospects.
“In 2015, former astronaut Mark Kelly rode a motorcycle onto a stage in China, with an American flag on one handlebar and the flag of the People’s Republic of China on the other. After dismounting, he told the audience before him how terrific Shaklee vitamins were, and how he took Shaklee Vitalizer on the space shuttle Endeavour in 2011, an out-of-this-world event honored on the Shaklee Facebook page.
“‘I took Shaklee vitamins and the Shaklee rehydration drink while in orbit aboard the space shuttle!’ Kelly said, pumping his fists before the audience. ‘They worked very well for me in a very demanding environment. Now, it is up to you. It is up to all of you to take those tools that Shaklee and Roger’ — company CEO Roger Barnett — ‘has given you, and turn it into something big! Each and every one of you can create your own successful Shaklee business, and it is the rewards from that business that will help you achieve your own dreams!’”
Of course, this is the “Uniparty” we are talking about. An article over at PJ Media (the former Pajamas Media collaborative of former independent bloggers gone pro) praises a new Trump themed beer!
“If there are any beer can collectors out there, a new offering has hit the market, which should accent your display nicely. You may remember Conservative Dad’s Ultra Right Beer. That company stepped up when what’s-his-name became the spokesperson for that one beer nobody drinks anymore. The company has a new product: Conservative Dad’s “FIGHT.” The can features a black-and-white photo of the wounded Donald Trump rising triumphantly from the platform in Pennsylvania, his fist high in the air. The company released a commercial on X featuring the voice of Sylvester Stallone (or perhaps an impersonator) in his role as Rocky Balboa”
Notice, though, the difference. It has long been true that big donors to the Democrats make money to invest in political endeavors to effect change, while big donors to the Republicans invest in political endeavors to make money. This is no different with the growing grift on the Right.
This predates Trump, so there’s no easy scapegoat. When the Tea Party phenomenon hit in the early Obama years, it was an epiphany for most, and an impetus for the Right and the GOP to stop up against Obama and the Big Government Left. Quickly, though, many (though certainly not all) “Tea Party” organizations and PACs formed and… didn’t bother to use that money in a politically effective manner, to put it nicely. That trend has clearly continued. While some are bold-faced enough to re-enact the “Last Temptation of Krust”, others stick to hawking political snake oil by telling people what they want to hear and making people feel that there is someone fighting for them… though to say “for their money” might be more accurate.
But then we already have Presidential nominee hawking NFTs, shoes, and even Bibles. Oh well, it’s not like politicians have always sold the political equivalent of “Miracle Spring Water”…
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