Thread by @MamurphyMaureen

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala Hi Judy! Here is a breakdown of the framing:

Influential Pundit:

"Not THIS, but (nevertheless I can't help myself!) THIS."

[ACTUAL TEXT: Not an endorsement, but I can't stop watching this.]

1st

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala Query: Ask "why NOT." Why did the pundit not simply watch this exuberant display, and remark:

"I can't stop watching this."

Query: Why did the pundit feel the need to QUALIFY her attraction to this clip by affirmatively DENYING that it was an endorsement

2nd

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala Sorry, had to correct original 2nd tweet.

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 - Another sharp obervation:

Sen. Kamala Harris and Secretary Clinton were often framed in "Even though" scenarios.

* HRC - "Even though she is universally reviled" (OK exagerration), she always has a wide assortment of hot sauces to share with everyone."

1/2

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 [Cont.] "Sen. Kamala Harris and Secretary Clinton were often framed in "Even though" scenarios.

Sen Harris: Even though I am not [endorsing her/find her too happy/sad/seductive/dowdy/tall/short/..]

I can't help but enjoy that peppy pep squad video."
2/2

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 Per @MCTW5 --

"Can anyone in media say one good thing about Senator Harris or her campaign without the, "not an endorsement" tag?"

Warren, Biden, Buttigieg have far fewer instances of this odd compulsion to ensure everyone knows the compliment is NOT an endorsement! Chillax!

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 Finally, look at the context of the frame. Out of ALL the accomplishments one could point to with admiration, Reid gives the Senator some snaps for: a PEP RALLY. I put this together into a sort of snark tweet, to hi-lite this subtle shade. And it IS, VERY subtle.

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 Here it is:

https://twitter.com/MamurphyMaureen/status/1191361148576321539?s=20

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 Judy, this is a layered message, many possible interpretations, culture, race, gender, intersectional issues.

One more thing someone suggested Ms. Reid may be focused on NOT appearing to suggest any "favor" here for Senator Harris. I have no background to opine on that tho.

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 Finally, it goes without saying, this is a critique of the ENTIRE message, frame PLUS visual it surrounds.

The visual, without context, would, for I would say 90% of human beings, be viewed as a thing of beauty, exuberance and joy.

@HeyJudeMullen @AforKamala @MCTW5 Sometimes, the gods DO provide. I defer to the brilliant Kenny Waldron, @KENNYBOO93 for the be all/end all of the tired and stale "I am not endorsing" Trope!

https://twitter.com/KENNYBOO93/status/1191136238952165379?s=20