It seems half the country’s political figures have been instructed to grin like a theme-park greeter. Supposedly, that makes them seem friendly, approachable, relatable. When I want humanoid patter, I turn to chatbots. They’re more convincing.

Why this epidemic of wax museum smiles? One reason, certainly, is social media, where every sour look gets amplified. No politician wants to get caught with his grin down. The forced smiles of President Donald Trump’s economic advisers really don’t work. As they’re pressed about grim economic news, their jolly best-is-yet-to-come demeanor is painful to watch.

A CNBC anchor tells Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick what everyone knows: The private sector is losing jobs. Would he care to comment? Lutnick’s voice is pure Coney Island barker. (His forced

See Full Page