[don-o]

I’d say it’s a nearly universally understood—though often probably subconsciously—way to attempt to change the subject or redirect it more narrowly.

In political matters, I think you are correct. However, in the discussion of commute times, the fellow was being responsive to the question. It was as if he were substituting "so" for "uh." The problem with that is that "so" is a real word with rules for proper usage. "Uh" (as per Obama) is a time filler to craft out the next lie.

[holden]

I understand your point much better now. Thanks. Yes, that seems to break down and corrupt an otherwise honed use of English.

HF