Sam Stein: Obama Turns To A New Campaign Phrase: 'Change Is'

[Pirate Smile]

Obama Turns To A New Campaign Phrase: 'Change Is'



WASHINGTON -- It's been a subtle alteration but an alteration nonetheless. In his past two campaign speeches, President Barack Obama has adopted a construct that puts particular emphasis on how his 2008 promise of change has resulted in practical life improvement.

At a fundraiser Wednesday night in New York City, the new line was on display, with the president deploying the phrase "Change is" on a dozen occasions.
"Change is the first bill I signed into law -- a law that says you get an equal day's work -- somebody who puts in an equal day's work should get equal day's pay."
"Change is the decision we made to rescue the auto company from collapse, even when some politicians were saying we should let Detroit go bankrupt."
"Change is the decision we made to stop waiting for Congress to do something about our addiction to oil and finally raise fuel-efficiency standards for the first time in 30 years."
"Change is health care reform that we passed after a century of trying."

And so on.

The formulation actually debuted at a Nov. 14 Obama campaign event at the Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii, where he declared "Change is" on 10 occasions. Prior to that, Obama hadn't used the rhetorical device at all.
"It's an effort to take back the mantel of change that started around the west coast swing," said a Democratic strategist, who spoke about the new line on condition of anonymity, "to circle back to the fundamental point of the '08 campaign and to illustrate how that change has been accomplished."

The Obama campaign is downplaying the significance of the new phrase, arguing, correctly, that the president has always played up his administration's accomplishments while on the trail. But the revised frame is a bit different, giving more than a subtle nod to supporters that their investment in the 2008 campaign paid off. It was hardly coincidental that on Wednesday evening, the president prefaced the rift by declaring: "Three years later, because of what you did in 2008, we have already started to see what change looks like."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/01/obama-adopts-new-campaign-rhetoric-change-is_n_1124143.html

[onehandle]

1. How slogany.

I like the President and I want him re-elected (the alternatives are horrifying), but... catchphrases... yawn.

[silverweb]

3. People like catch phrases.

The majority of people (already beset with enough life worries and complications) want crisp slogans, catchy bumperstickers, and easy sound bites.

This one works. People will like it.

I'm on board with it. Let's stick "Change is" in front of every kept promise and every single thing this President has accomplished.

People have to be made aware of all the successes and all the hard work that went on behind the scenes.

This president has successfully enacted many good changes that didn't make the corporate news shows and deserve attention.

[Pirate Smile]

6. I agree. n/t

[CakeGrrl]

9. +1000. The MSM sure won't announce his accomplishments, and

there are an unfortunate number on the Left who don't think or will not acknowledge that he's done anything, so bring this on.

[DJ13]

2. "..... not happening, get over it!"

(Thats why I dont write slogans...)

[Safetykitten]

4. Oh dear, that word again...."is". Maybe he and Clinton should have a talk.

[Inuca]

13. Agree and I think

that we should ban "is" from the English language. It's so loaded.

[MannyGoldstein]

5. "The largest Wall Street bonuses in history, thanks to your tax dollars"

Yes we could.

[izquierdista]

7. Change is.....

...in my pocket, cause I sure don't see any in Washington.

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

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[Tarheel_Dem]

8. K & R

:kick:

[Moostache]

11. If he doesn't change the nonsense with unauthorized detentions...

then I hope he is ready to change addresses after the next election.


Let me make it 100% clear, there is no way in hell I am going to vote for a man who does not DEMONSTRATE respect for the rule or law and our Constitution through word AND deed...end the campaign to extend the right of presidents to have people incarcerated without trial or charge, or pack your shit because you are going out.

Get your priorities on record Mr. President...you either believe that United States citizens have RIGHTS or you think they should be reduced to PRIVILEGES that exist only at the whim of the military and the executive branch. This is NOT a nuanced area despite what ever bullshit "counter-terrorism" is used to hide its true intention - a naked power grab and end run around the rule of law.

Its great to list things that were changed (and I am extremely pleased with most if not all of them), but if that list includes codifying and making permanent or next to permanent the mistakes of the Patriot Act and the immensely stupid "war on terror", then it is not good enough. It would become the very definition of Pyrrhic victory in my eyes. Temporary policy gains (that can be reversed in a heartbeat by another administration) are of no consequence if fundamental rights are lost in the exchange.

[golddigger]

12. Change is...

not coming!

[mistertrickster]

16. Heh, no kidding. Change is closing Gitmo . . . oh wait, no, that's the same. nt

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

14. I love it! And the president looks so very handsome here. Refreshed and alive...FIRED UP...

READY TO GO!! :kick::kick::kick:

[high density]

15. Happiness is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYyjxaAI0Kw