DISCLAIMER: The Bullblog doesn’t make endorsements for the New Haven mayoral race, and this isn’t one. Take everything below with at leaaaast a grain of salt.

I usually have no desire to experience embarrassment—either vicariously or on behalf of my (often deserving) self. But watching this video just transported me back to a pretty cringeworthy time. That’s right: it evoked the self-consciousness of bar/bat mitzvah season. In fact, I’m getting some pretty intense embarrassing-aunt vibes from Harp. And don’t even get me started on DeLauro’s moves. (Rosa, I can’t say I like what’s happening in this vid, but I guess I respect it.)

So basically, the Harp campaign has done it. They’ve found a way to make their candidate really hit home. Critics have suggested Harp’s just the face of the New Haven political machine. But if that’s true, it is very impressive that today I felt for her basically what I’d feel for, like, a well-meaning but super awkward family member. Guess this candidate must be on fire?