Even in the best of times, the public perception of our political leaders is a charade. Until we actually sit at the same table with a candidate, trying to solve problems in business or human affairs, we just "won't much" about a name on the ballot. Shaking their hands or watching them on 60 Minutes will not give us the information to "vote wisely."

Having said that, Mr. Trump's private life was well known. Nobody should have been surprised at his style of presidency. So even when we voters have this knowledge, we don't use it wisely.

I too was surprised at the swiftness of acceptance of Harris. Almost no due process. There were probably some back-room stuff happening.

But, again, Mr. Trump broke the back-room lock on the Republican Party in 2016. And look at what we got.

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There is lots of talk about a future Republican oligarchy. But very little about a possible Democrat Party.

You (and other readers) might be interested on my thoughts on a Democratic oligarchy

https://medium.com/free-factor/how-the-democratic-party-becomes-an-oligarchy-42f40f8412b8