Reid floats Democrats' 2006 slogan: 'America Can Do Better' phrase appeari

[NVMojo]

WASHINGTON -- It doesn't have the cachet of Ronald Reagan's "It's Morning in America," and probably will never go down in the history books next to "A chicken in every pot" as one of the more memorable campaign slogans.

But if Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has anything to say about it, the phrase "America Can Do Better" will become a familiar part of the Democratic message in next year's elections.

The Nevada Democrat has been routinely dropping the slogan into speeches and interviews, and his communications staff has used it liberally in press releases, even slapping it into the subject lines of e-mails sent to reporters.

In recent weeks, other Democratic senators have popped the line into their own speeches.

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2005/oct/20/519537057.html

[ck4829]

1. That and "Culture of Corruption".

[KoKo]

13. I vote for "Culture of Corruption" but we Dems worry that it will bring up

the Clenis. But, EVERYTHING brings up the Clenis. Also the worry is that Dems have skeletons in their own closets so we run from the word.

Yet...what Administration in modern times has been SO FILLED WITH it?

Corruption and Nepotism.

[KoKo]

17. They need to get Some Marketing Professonals and dump Reid's musings.

I hope that it wasn't Marketing Professionals who came up with that weak message. Maybe it was Bob Shrum, or Lanny Davis. :eyes: Maybe Donna Brazille.

It's hard for me to be kind about this. We need some fresh views and a fresh message.

[AZBlue]

165. We're Democrats. We don't consult marketing professionals.

:banghead:

[Ignacio Upton]

47. That didn't stop Newt Gingrich from emphasizing it in 1994

The Republicans had corruption problems, but because the Democrats controlled Congress they lost.

[singersongs]

191. Right out of Newt's playbook!

Why can't the DEMS in the House/Senate announce a "Contract With America"? Newt did it. Although it wasn't legally binding, it became part of the language as the Republicans started owning the messaging. SOOOO, let's get something going here. We don't need to re-invent the wheel! I saw posts about Harry Reid dropping new the new slogan "America can do better". It really doesn't get me turned on. I think Reid needs to stir the pot up a Democratic version of a "Contract with America". Looking forward to keeping this post going!


ROCK ON!!

Jon Singer at www.jonsingersongs.com

[PurpleChez]

195. I second the motion!

[yurbud]

69. one way to fix that: purge corrupt Dems too

maybe not this election, but as a long term strategy. Send the good old boy, chamber of commerce types out to pasture, and lock the door behind them.

[Zhade]

169. Indeed!

NT!

[Voltaire99]

208. Here are more accurate slogans for Reid and his gang...

"Couldn't Beat 'Em, So We Joined 'Em!"

"How Ya Like That Iraq War We Dummies Still Support?"

"Give 'Em Aitch E Double Hockey Sticks, Harry!"

"GOP-Lite: Get Your Tax Break and Your Wars With Less Guilt"

"Anybody Got A Spare Spine?"

[wisteria]

96. This would be good as a catchy talking point, but it doesn't speak

for our party.

[struggle4progress]

106. Then play into it: "We'll do ya right"

[Mugsy]

144. I wouldn't want to be synonymous with that slogan. These are better.

Sounds like that would backfire.

I wouldn't want anyone associating that slogan with the Democratic Party every time they hear a Democrat say it. Definite "Backfire Material".

Some beter suggestions:

"This is NOT what I signed up for!" (good allusion to the troops.)

"Today's GOP: Worse that Watergate"

"Incompetence is not a Moral Value."

I'm sure I'll think of more.

[Progressive21]

150. Im new here...

trying to get the lingo down, what is clenis?? Also, I see the abbreviation MSM a lot...

[Gronk Groks]

163. Clenis = Clinton

Nickname picked-up from Monica time frame. Short for Clinton's Penis, as in 'thinking with his'... Always hated the term, don't know why Dems keep using it.

[Barrett808]

174. Welcome to DU, Progressive21!

:hi:

[PurpleChez]

194. I'm guessing that that's some rethug's mangling of "Clinton"?

Is it anyone in particular who does that? I get a kick every time I see "Preznit" at DU, and of course "nookyooler" is just embarassing. It's amazing to see an administration so stymied by simple English -- or so determined to kiss up to a subculture of semiliterate bumblefucks. Just picture Cletus and Brandine watching a news update between NASCAR races, swelling with pride 'coz connecticut-born, ivy league-educated millionaire psychopath W talks just like them.

There's my insensitive, stereotyped rant for the morning.

[sandnsea]

40. Pelosi's been using both

I expect we'll see both from alot of people.

[Orangepeel]

79. we need a positive message first --

some sort of "don't stop thinking about tomorrow" thing. The first point should be why we are good. Why they are bad should come second.

[depakid]

101. That's unfortunately proven to be a losing strategy

every time.

The Dems need to pin the blame squarely on the Republicans and channel the votes' anger.

This "high road" thing just cost 4 more years of Bush- despite peoples' warning that it hadn't worked in the past 10 years.

I think it's time to go for the throat and pick a winning strategy for a change

[Orangepeel]

153. no it hasn't

You misunderstood my post. I did not say that Democratic politicians shouldn't stoop to criticizing the opposition. I am saying that people don't vote for a candidate only because the other guy is bad. They'd say home. They need to know why a candidate is good, too.

The difference is all in framing -- the positively framed "Vote for us for an honest government" vs. the negatively framed "They are corrupt." Both can be done, but the positive should be the public message.

The republicans spare no expense and will stop at nothing to tear down Democrats. But they do that backhandedly, with groups like Swift Boat Veterans and people like Hannity and Coulter. The candidates talk about (and talk about talking about) what they are going to do. It's all hogwash, of course -- platitudes like "values" and "security" and "responsibility" -- but even Gingrich's "contract with America" was spun as something affirmative.

[eppur_se_muova]

203. FLAY THE WEASELS!

It's short, it's catchy, it's damned sure positive.

[Just Me]

130. How's about, "Culture of Conscience"?

Moving from a "culture of corruption" to a "culture of conscience".

America is in need of a new dawn, a new day in a culture of conscience.

[radfringe]

196. an additional suggestion

It's about PEOPLE, not POLITICS

[wtmusic]

2. You mean Dean's slogan, "We can do better than that?"

:eyes:

[Orsino]

82. "America" is more clearly inclusive...

...and nicely underscores the anti-American nature of corruption.

[OzarkDem]

89. I like Dean's better

I prefer the "We" instead of "America", its more unifying. It also personifies Dems as the ones who can fix the country. America is just too vague.

[TimeToGo]

3. Didn't Kerry use that a lot? n/t

[karynnj]

33. Yes - very often

But I think it still works and wasn't heard that much as most of Kerry's message, speeches and rallies were given no air time last year.

I noticed watching the CSPAN event with Kerry, Shumer, and H.Clinton on getting subsidies for higher heating costs for the poor, that at least Shumer and Clinton used it as a refrain. I think Kerry did too (I'm not sure mainly because he has said it so often, I really don't know if he did this week.)

With Katrina and other failures it works better now.

[ShockediSay]

92. And it was a loser (by a bit of finegled vote fraud)

Still better I like

Competent, honest leadership representing ALL Americans

[wisteria]

95. I do remember hearing him say that. n/t

[wisteria]

99. Americans deserve better than their getting.

of course, from this current administration.

[flamin lib]

4. Too many words. Gotta' have three or less. Morning in America,

No New Taxes, Just Say No, Stay the Course.

I personally like "HAD ENOUGH?"

[LSparkle]

7. I like that better !!!

They could do a series of ads with prominent Dems just standing there wearing their best "you gotta be kidding" faces. 'Nuff said ...

[henslee]

34. How bout FUCK THOSE GUYS.

[henslee]

36. or DIE GREEDY PIGS.

[Boneman]

52. How about this one?

[Teena]

193. AH!

A glorious sight, indeed! Our hero.

[lonestarnot]

62. How bout "fuck allayous!"

[Guaranteed]

81. "Use Your Brain." nt

[alcibiades_mystery]

84. "Have you had enough?" was the GOP slogan in 1946.

The GOP took back the House in a huge surge.

[MarsThe Cat]

115. LEGALIZE IT

[Moloch]

125. Yeah.. That's a great idea..

I'm for legalization, too. BUT - Don't you think there are more important issues to run on?

That would just alienate more people.

[MarsThe Cat]

131. Well, it's A LOT better than"FUCK THOSE GUYS"...

or "DIE GREEDY PIGS"

[Moloch]

192. Perhaps...

but there are a lot of positive things us Democrats stand for..

You know:
Peace
Racial Equality
Reproductive Choice
A Better Economy

to name a few...

[trogdor]

140. Nobody's getting elected to anything on pot.

Wanna get dismissed as a hippy kook by about 70% of the population? Bring up legalization of pot as a platform plank. Sorry, you lose me there, as much as I am open to the idea.

[Zhade]

170. You can't be all that open to it, if the idea loses you.

NT!

[Mugsy]

146. Three words are better. "Enough is enough!"

Definitely on the right track, but three words are better:

"Enough is enough!"

[PegDAC]

154. I like that!!

And the campaign song could be "Enough Is Enough" by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer!

:D :think: :applause:

[cyberpj]

5. How about "bringing honor and integrity back to the White House..."

I know...
I know...

[karynnj]

57. But you need to add "this time for real"

To bringing honor and integrity back to the White House..."" and wait till 2008 for obvious reasons

[politicaholic]

6. "Merka can done do-ed better then them I recon."

Same message but more of a down home feel.

[stopbush]

8. It's weak and whiny. Three words or less, please!

Time to go back to the drawing board, Dems.

How about "Restore America's Soul?" or "Fuck The Motherfuckers?" or


"No more...

war

lying

crooks

bullshit

cronyism"

Or, best of all,

"Sex for everyone!"

[mamalone]

24. Restore America!!

I like it:toast:

[beltanefauve]

119. Me too!

[AusTexDem]

126. Evolve or die.

[NVMojo]

121. ...even the uptight religious right!!!

[Gronk Groks]

164. That is the line..."NO MORE" !!!!!!!!

Less than three words. Can stand alone. Can be added to. Attacks current administration. Channels anger of American public.

IT IS A WINNER !!!!!

[blm]

9. That was the catch phrase for Kerry's campaign at the convention.

He used it as emphasis on issue after issue during his acceptance speech and throughout the campaign.



Kerry: 'America Can Do Better'

Senator Accepts the Democratic Nomination


By Jim VandeHei and John F. Harris

Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, July 30, 2004; Page A01



BOSTON, July 29 -- John Forbes Kerry accepted the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday night, offering himself to Americans as a decorated Vietnam War veteran who saw the horrors of war firsthand as a young man, and who nearly four decades later is ready to defend the country with more vigilance and better judgment than President Bush.


Asserting that America is in "a global war on terror against an enemy unlike any we have ever known before," Kerry repeatedly challenged Bush's credibility, and charged that the Republican incumbent presents a pose of strength but not the reality.

>>>>>>>>>>

[NVMojo]

20. I find it ironic that Reid would use a Kerry slogan ...

[flamin lib]

43. Too many words. Gotta' be three or less.

John Kennedy said "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." They shot that poor guy.

RFK said "Other men see things as they are and ask 'Why'. I see things that never were and ask 'Why not?'" They shot him too.

Bill Clinton said "It's the Economy, Stupid." and it cost the country $6 million in investigations.

Three words or less . . .

[blm]

45. NO KING GEORGE!

I think that works GREAT!

[Carolab]

103. Kerry lifted it from Dean. Dean was using it LONG before that.

"We can do better" or "America can do better" was included in just about every stump speech he ever gave. Like this one from 2002:

http://www.essentialschools.org/pub/ces_docs/fforum/2002/dean_sp.html

And this one from 2003:

http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110003920

Or this one, also from 2003:

http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/interestg/naral012103/dean012103spt.html

And he has been using it ever since as DNC chair. In fact, he SUGGESTED it in August:

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/081505I.shtml

Howard Dean on Face the Nation
CBS News | Transcript

Sunday 14 August 2005

{snip}

Schieffer: Clearly, people didn't understand what the message was last time out.

Dr. Dean: Right.

Schieffer: What did you do wrong then, and what needs to be done now?

Dr. Dean: Well, I think the message actually might--you know, we're going to have a--we're going to work through all this stuff and we're going to have a national message, because one of the things we haven't done in a long time is run comfortably as--a Democrat in Alabama can stand on the same platform you can in California. We need to be able to do that, and that takes a lot of hard, nitty-gritty work, which we're doing.

I think if we had a three-word message right now it'd be, `We can do better'--four-word message. We can do better. We will do better on the deficits. Only president to balance the budget in the last 40 years: Bill Clinton. We need to balance the budget in this country. Harry Truman, 1948, health insurance for all Americans--we need to keep that pledge. We need a strong defense that's compatible with working with our allies and not going off halfcocked without understanding what we're getting into. So it will be around the issue--now that's not a national message. An issue--a national message is not a list of issues. But the issues that we'll build the national message around are most likely to be a strong defense, a strong economy with a balanced budget, health care and public education. That'd be my guess as to what Democrats have in common in Mobile, Alabama, and in San Francisco.

**********

AND BEFORE THAT? My late great Senator Paul WELLSTONE (Minnesota) said it:

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/edcut?pid=23214

"What does it mean to be poor in America? We can offer no single description of American poverty. But for many, perhaps most, it means homes with peeling paint, inadequate heating, uncertain plumbing. It means that only the very lucky among the children receive a decent education. It often means a home where some go to bed hungry and malnutrition is a frequent visitor. It means that the most elementary components of the good ife in America--a vacation with kids, an evening out, a comfortable home--are but distant and unreachable dreams, more likely to be seen on the television screen than in the neighborhood. And for almost all the poor it means that life is a constant struggle to obtain the merest necessities of existence, those things most of us take for granted. We can do better." --Paul Wellstone, "If Poverty is the Question," The Nation, April 14, 1997

We can do better. That was Senator Paul Wellstone's abiding belief.

[second edition]

111. So what your saying is it is a standard Dem phrase.

And, your posts don't prove that Dean or Wellstone were the first to use this phrase- just that they said it. You could even argue that if Kerry did adopt it from either of your guys -he was the one who made it well known.

[Carolab]

116. No, Dean is the one who made it "well known" if you'd paid attention.

You just noticed it after Kerry started using it because you weren't following Dean. Kerry (and other candidates, including Edwards) started lifting Dean's phrases because they knew they worked as a "populist" message, and they were trying to captivate the grassroots.

I'm fascinated by how both Edwards and Kerry successfully co-opted Dean's core message--not the anti-war meme, but the "take back America from special interests" meme.

[blm]

137. Guess you never noticed that Kerry and Wellstone wrote the Clean Elections

bill in 1997 to TAKE AMERICA BACK FROM SPECIAL INTERESTS.

Possibly you have been unaware that Kerry has advocated for public financing of campaigns since he entered the senate in 1985.

Perhaps Gov. Dean submitted a letter of support for Kerry and Wellstone's bill, as governors sometimes do, and I am the one who missed it.

Very sad that the Senate chose to ignore Kerry and Wellstone's bill for the less obtrusive McCain-Feingold.

Very good that several states have now adapted that Clean Elections bill for their own elections.

[Carolab]

159. Not talking about congressional history. Talking about the message.

The point I was making is "We Can Do Better" was and is Dean's message. And it was widely reported and discussed that alot of his message points were "incorporated" into the other candidates' speeches. I watched it happen and it made me mad because I knew they were doing it because of Dean's grassroots popularity.

[blm]

167. It's standard practice for any nominee to carry aspects of his opponents'

messages into his general campaign. It's considered an act of graciousness towards your former opponent and acknowledgement of a forged unity.

Was 2004 supposed to be the year they stopped doing that?

[Carolab]

177. Problem is they were using his messages while he was active.

Not just as a "former opponent".

[blm]

204. Considering Kerry was using similar themes since 1985, and wrote the

Clean Elections bill with Wellstone in 97 using the theme, I don't see how any one figure is given the credit for coining the theme in 2003-4.

[loyalsister]

211. Not even a standard Dem phrase

It's a standard platitude. People tell themselves that when they mess up. Don't meet goals. Screw up at work, make bad grades, etc.
It's lame as hell for a slogan because there is nothing exceptionally creative about it.
It's not the kind of thing where someone never would have thought to apply such words to that message so that it makes them take notice and listen. That was what gave "morning in America" it's edge. That and the fact that it has imagry.
We can do better.
Notice how flexible it is? It can work in a speech, but without context, people may not know what they're even talking about.
And, if you say "America Can Do Better" all that may mean to someone is America just will no matter what. The belief in American innocence and absolute superiority runs pretty deep.
General platitudes don't work.

[mestup]

10. Had Enough? Vote Democratic.

[kevsand]

32. Very nice. /nt

[JPZenger]

162. Now that, I Like

[FighttheFuture]

172. Much better! How about adding "If not, you're part of the problem!"

Direct and to the point!

[Catchawave]

189. Best one yet !

Plus I'd only need to buy one shirt and one bumper sticker through the 2008 election!

[wtbymark]

11. L-A-M-E

I like "say no to cronyism, corruption and incompetence"

[brentspeak]

12. My idea: "America defeated the Redcoats..."

"...and it will defeat the Republicans, as well! Vote Democrat 2006."

[Nancy Waterman]

16. How about RESTORE DEMOCRACY

Restore Democracy
Vote Democratic

[brentspeak]

18. I like it

[mamalone]

26. OOOOOOOOOH! Good one!!

nt

[JudyM]

77. Good one! n/t

[NEOBuckeye]

91. Excellent suggestion, Nancy!

You should send it to Reid. Or even Howard Dean!

[NVMojo]

122. I like it too ...you could use it at the beginning phrase of many ideas ..

like Restore Democracy ...paper ballots!

Restore Democracy ...ethics in the Senate!

etc, etc.

[Peace Patriot]

93. Restore Democracy. Outvote Diebold.

[Mad_Dem_X]

134. That's a great one! nt

[Mugsy]

147. That's "Vote Democrat" not "Democratic".

ALL votes are "Democratic". :)

[sinkingfeeling]

14. How about "Had Enough, America"? Let's all write to Reid and tell

him we don't like it and why.

[endarkenment]

35. Indeed it is weak and conciliatory and ambiguous.

Do better at what? Better at corrupt crony capitalism? Better imperial follies wasting the lives of our children and innocent foreigners?

[endarkenment]

64. "Its time to clean house, America". NT.

[booksenkatz]

49. I actually like that one!

We need to tap into the anger and focus that anger... somehow we need to start making people give a damn. And the ones that are not angry should be, and we need to tell them why! It's time to educate America, folks.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

143. I was going to suggest "America Deserves Better" to appeal...

to those less fortunate and those paying close attention and disgusted by what's going on. It may even appeal to those with a sense of entitlement - "yeah, I live in a huge McMansion and drive a behemoth SUV, but we DO deserve better!". But I like yours better; perhaps it would get people thinking (ha). Imagine the killer ads we could run working the themes of corruption, cronyism, and incompetence: DeLay's mug shot; Smirk and the "have and have more" comment; Smirk joking during his hunt for WMDs behind WH curtains; Cheney and his Halliburton options (I forget the % increase, but it was HUGE); Brown's handling of Katrina aftermath; and on and on and on.

[brentspeak]

15. better would be "America MUST Do Better"

[Teaser]

21. I dunno

That comes off as preachy...like America is failing. "Can do" sounds more, well "can-do" so to speak.

Just my opinion.

[brentspeak]

25. We ARE failing

Pretty soon, China is going to make mincemeat of us, economically (if they haven't already).

[ScreamingMeemie]

19. Where have I seen that before...I know! Behind Howard Dean at

his last stop here in Michigan. I think it has more cache'. because it's honest.

[phiddle]

22. How bout: "America deserves better"

It's positive about the country, while slamming the Repubs, and in only 3 words.

[sandnsea]

38. That is much much better

I like that. I will definitely use it.

[Dem2theMax]

65. I've had that phrase in my head for months.

It goes something like this.

Picture of * on a t-shirt.

With the phrase

"America deserves better than this"

under his face.

I haven't had the money to get impeachdubya to make it for me.

[Occulus]

124. Awesome.

Suggest it to them.

[kenny blankenship]

23. If I could, I'd award that the Gold Medal for...

the category of most bland and lukewarm political slogan possible.
How about something with a little more urgency?
"America MUST do better."

"America can do better"--YEESH! Why not Democrats: we don't suck as much?

[phiddle]

28. "America needs better"

[kevsand]

37. Or in three words:

"We suck less!"

[Il_Coniglietto]

42. "America Deserves Better"

How about "America Deserves Better"?

Lord knows we do.

*edit* Oops, didn't see that someone else had already suggested this. Well, that's another vote for that slogan, then. :thumbsup:

[Earth_First]

27. Another vote for WEAK...

I agree with the fact that this sounds like whining. However, I'll go with anything other than "2004: Defending My Vietnam Record."

[0rganism]

29. Wow. That's really .... uninspiring.

I put "America Can Do Better" right up there with "Work Smarter Not Harder" and "All Major Credit Cards Accepted."

[struggle4progress]

105. It beats "We're not Republicans but we vote with them anyway."

[Justitia]

30. BLAH. Howsabout "Kickin' Ass & Takin' Names?" -eom

[Kber]

or conversely, kickin names and takin ass

[endarkenment]

31. How about "Had enough corrupt crony incompetence yet"? eom.

[kevsand]

39. How about "Cut the Crap!"

Or just "No More Bullshit!"

[kevsand]

41. My final attempts at three words (I promise)...

Kill the pigs.
Drink their blood.

[Gronk Groks]

175. A bit vampiric...

...but what the hell, the re-Thugs have been doing it to America for years

[johncoby2]

44. America HAS done better!

[Tight_rope]

46. How about get those fucking crooks outta the WH!

[booksenkatz]

48. Pretty weak, in my opinion

It's what you say to your preschooler when he's working on scribbling his ABCs, not what you say to your country when it has taken a massive shit upon its own people and upon the rest of the world.

I can't proffer a better phrase at the moment, but I'll know it when I see it, and this isn't it. (I'll try to do better, LOL!)

[gumby]

50. Words from The Wet Noodle Brigade.

"We can do better" sounds like the words of a battered spouse trying to talk the other party into counseling. Yuck!

[cosmicdot]

51. can we do better than this?

were the grassroots rank and file asked for ideas on this?

was this coordinated with the DNC/Chair Dean?

did this stem from Nancy Pelosi's (2006 agenda effort reported by Roll Call) secret "key Democratic strategists, advisers and outside interest groups" which she's coordinating with Reid (i.e., "affordable health insurance").

Hafen said the phrase first surfaced in the closed-door caucus meetings that Senate Democrats hold each Tuesday.

what about Walter Conkrite's suggestion of a mid-term convention?
Couldn't these things be channeled and brain-stormed there?

how will it be perceived if the slogan is revised?


How about an "I have an idea" effort from the grassroots up?

Let America speak ... put people first ... for a change in the 21st Century ...

I want a better deal for 21st Century America.


:rant:
Just really tired of the samo-samo Inside the Beltway politics per usual elite-down PR stuff ...


we really can do better ...

just looking upthread shows how people can help shape the message


New and Improved Tide!

[peter from vermont]

53. Restore America's Promise

Implying:

Recommit and start again to Honor to our historical national PMOMISES: to give equal opportunity to everyone of our citizens, not just the rich; to be a moral leader in the world, committed to human rights.

[indigo32]

54. I LIKE that one

:thumbsup:

[Tiggeroshii]

55. I say we propose the Democratic "Vow for Improvement"

or "Promise of integrity"

or our "vow to America" for a better economy, healthcare for all Americans and a winning strategy in Iraq?

We need to emulate the contract with america to get the same results. We're not on the right track in doing that.

[Demeter]

56. Democrats Can Do Better

would make a lot more sense---is it just me, or is that a crappy slogan? Americans can do better--but they won't. The trick is to let them pick you to do better, and then do it.

[Smarmie Doofus]

58. Oh god.. Its bland as hell; is that the best they can do?

There are two obvious areas to exploit. 1. corruption 2. one party rule.

Others have commented on the culture of corruption. Go for it.

But also, the idea of one party controlling all three branches of government ( all four including the media) is troublesome to the "swing" voter. Especially since that party is doing a horrendous job.

The DEMS should be exploiting the hell out of that fact. What's the matter with them?

[KittyWampus]

59. I Prefer "American WILL Do Better" Not CAN

[President Kerry]

60. or "America can't do worse" n/t

[KittyWampus]

61. LOL!

[tecelote]

63. America Should Do Better!

We can be better, so we should be. No if ands or buts. We should be better than this!

[Kingofalldems]

66. 'America needs a Raise'

[gulfcoastliberal]

67. Reid: Worse than Daschle

That's my slogan.

[rox63]

68. I don't think it'll work

It still has us defining ourselves in relation to the other guys.

[callady]

70. How About "HEALTH CARE NOT WARFARE"

We're gonna get out of Iraq. Divert Pentagon Funds into Health Care, Green Economy, Mass Transportation for commuters etc...

They'd get elected in a minute.

Any cojones in the halls of Congress that will tell the truth outside of the usual suspects- Mckinney, Conyers, Hinchey etc...

[VegasWolf]

71. S-U-C-K-S!!!!! nt

[yurbud]

72. we need harder hitting commercials--why didn't anyone use

Michael Moore's clip of the "haves and have mores" or the one when Bush stormed away from the podium when someone asked him about the indictment of Ken Lay.

[NVMojo]

123. I loved that "have and have mores" * speech ...said so much ...

[IndianaGreen]

73. Democrats don't need a slogan as much as they need core values

and the commitment to stick by them no matter the cost. It is hard to tell people to vote for a Democrat that voted for laws that hurt people such as the recent bankruptcy bill.

[Delphinus]

74. That's old!

That's what Kerry used. He'd better come up with something better.

[wisteria]

97. It gets better with age. n/t

[wisteria]

98. the slogan is fitting for the current times.

America can do better than this current administration.

[Nightwing]

75. Take out the trash

That would be my slogan. Simple and to the point.

[TomClash]

76. More like "America Can't Do Worse" nt

[sallyseven]

180. How about " Had Enough?"

[Citizen Kang]

78. meh....

If thats all our party can come up with, we dont ever deserve to win an election again.

[Zynx]

80. I can do better than that: "Failure and Incompetence"

[DeadManInc]

87. Restore Our Integrity

[WinkyDink]

83. WIMPY

"America Can Do Better." I'm officially underwhelmed.

"Stop the Insanity!"

[Maven]

85. Why don't they come up with a set of actual initiatives and BRAND THEM

i.e., in the vein of the "New Deal?" They would give their image some substance and deflect that perennial media favorite: "Democrats never come up with their own ideas--all they do is bash Republicans. WAAAHH."

Or would that make too much sense?

Why more of these bland slogans? They sound like they came from a B-movie about a political candidate, and not from a real political campaign.

[BadGimp]

86. THIS IS A JOKE RIGHT?

how bout..


or..

[belle]

88. "Enough is enough"

[belle]

90. "Wake Up, America"

[coffeenap]

133. Send it to them--that is exactly right! nt

[In Truth We Trust]

190. Enough is Enough: Paper ballots NOW! Hand counts NOW! Impeach NOW!

[Gloria]

94. Sounds like a 1st grade teacher admonishing a kid....YUCK

Weak, passive, no fight in it at all. Forget about this one, Harry.

What about WE'RE TAKING BACK AMERICA...along those lines.

[eppur_se_muova]

178. TAKE BACK AMERICA

Same idea, three words.

Good enough?

[natrat]

100. america can do better has no edge and its not catchy

America has to do better
The coruption must be emphasized ; but alas i think there's a reason it won't be

[gulliver]

102. Nice double meaning. Might be a bit too head scratchy.

It has a nice ring to it. The others, like "America deserves better" or "America doesn't deserve what the Republicans are dishing out" or "America was better before these guys and can be better again" can be used too.

Bush has made things so much worse that any reference to America getting better rings true.

[meow2u3]

104. America can do better than the GOP culture of corruption

:nuke:

[anotherdrew]

107. it sounds disappointed and scolding... hmmm.. I don't know

it's true but...

[OzarkDem]

127. My thought too, its an admonishment

Was this Shrum's idea?

Mediocre. Nothing inspiring or hopeful or challenging.

How hard is it to go to some real advertising experts (not crony campaign consultants) and come up with something that will actually work.

[Child_Of_Isis]

142. Blame the victim mentality.

They must be after the puke vote. How about the American government can do better? Let's put the blame where it belongs. The people of America are spending 99% of their lives just trying to survive. Not only do we have to support our families but we have to support our representatives and their major salaries... and the finest of health care for them. While we go without. They in turn give our money to corporations who give our jobs away. When one says America, I envision the American people. Well don't blame the American people, hell we can't even get an honest vote count.

[aaronbees]

108. It's weak.

It's lame, passive and ineffectual. The general principle, of course, is something Dems need to stand behind, but it's too obvious ... I mean, any candidate or party most assuredly believes they can do a better job than an opponent or opposing party, that they can help create a country that's "better." Dems need something bolder, yet more concrete. Someone above suggested "Restore America's Promise." That doesn't quite do it for me, but it's close: succinct and clear, at least.

[second edition]

109. I like it, but i would change it slightly. America deserves better! n/t

[Strawman]

110. No shit. Really? We can do better?

Wow. Thanks for that info. Glad we can do better than a completely incompetent boob of a President who has bungled the job in ways that were previously unfathomable and some crooked hillbilly exterminator running the Congress (who also happens to be a religious whacko). What else was in the running? Why not just make it "We Think You Are All Fucking Morons (and We're Reporting for Duty, Stupidheads)." Can't wait to hear Hillary recite in that loud monotone speech voice of hers that sounds like she is talking to a room full of cognitively challenged second graders.

[second edition]

112. Perhaps the DNC should start a suggestion box for catch phrases. n/t

[judaspriestess]

113. Gosh Darnit!! n/t

[GetTheRightVote]

114. Make it simple, "American Is Better" if he likes Can Do

It has more of a positive message attached to it and gets us wanting to do better as well.

Simple but straight to the matter.

OR perhaps something more Democratic in meaning ?

"Kick start :kick: Democracy, America !"

I like the use of their symbol and it's related meaning.
What do you all think of it ?

[bunny planet]

117. America can do MUCH better is more like it.

[TheDonkey]

118. Very similair to Kerry's slogan, and "A fresh start for America"

[OzarkDem]

128. Was that his slogan?

I couldn't remember any specific slogan or message from his campaign.

[beltanefauve]

120. I remember in 1976

when Jimmy Carter looked America square in the eye on TV and said, "I will never lie to you." A peanut farmer and governor of Geogia won the election on that, and "Nixon fatigue".I don't believe he ever did lie to us, either. Nixon and his gang look honest compared to these crooks, as far as I'm concerned. I know its not a slogan, but maybe I can provide some food for thought for those of you who are better wordsmiths than I.

What keeps coming back to me, over and over, is, "Government by the people, for the people." Its more than a slogan. Its a specific provision in our Constitution which has been blatantly ignored for a long, long, time. Of all the insults and injuries America has endured during this regime, I think Katrina is the one that resonated with me the most, and reminded me of this. Democrats, government by the people for the people.

Yes we need to be restored and yes we need to be made whole again, but we also need to be reminded of who we are. Maybe a little historical perspective will help.

[PurpleChez]

197. I whole-heartedly support your position

but "gov't by the people, for the people" is not a principle of the Constitution. It's from Lincoln's infamous Gettysburg Address. (I'm a native of central PA and a local newsman once did a piece on the anniversary of the speech about the "infamous" address, apparently thinking that was an intensified version of "famous".)

[Jawja]

129. That phrase didn't work last time.

How about

"Government of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE and for the PEOPLE"

[Bernardo de La Paz]

132. It's feeble. You need positives more than "anti".

[HoosierClarkie]

135. "America is better "

than what this administration has portrayed us to be.

Then list all the great things about America and how the administration has shit all over it. :)

We really need to highlight all the great things about America and how every individual can contribute in a positive way.

People are so disgusted with politics right now. The independents need to be inspired to vote. Let's face it. We need'em!

[coffeenap]

136. Bring America Back! Or, Take America Back!

Or Bring Back America! Take Back America!

[cyberpj]

138. What's wrong with DEMOCRATS CAN DO BETTER......?

Or even Democrats have always done better for the people?

[bhuddaboy]

188. Democrats Are Better

'nuff said.

[bunkerbuster1]

139. Gotta admit I like Hoover's old slogan better

"A return to normalcy."

Ok, it's teh suck as well, but we could at least have some fun with it.

[imouttahere]

141. America can do A LOT better - Reclaim the Glory!

[realFedUp]

145. It's hopeful...I think Howard used it in his campaign

Certainly DUers can think of negative campaign
slogans referring to Republicans....

I like Rubberstamp Republicans.

[TayTay]

148. Bring America Back!

I want my country back.

[tgnyc]

149. Back On Track

[AlGore-08.com]

151. How about "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"?

eom

[DirtyDawg]

152. More 'better'...

America Better Do Better
America Must Do Better
America Deserves Better
America Will Do Better

[Festivito]

155. Re-liberate our America.

Attack their strengths. (As do they)

Attack the idea of liberal. Renew it as good.
Attack the "Patriot" act.
Raise a spirit of building freedom stronger.

Rejuvinate, Re-envigorate, Renew, Re...something.
Clinton is looking pretty good to people now.

Strong fiscal policy. Don't let anybody own you. (Like China)
Strong on defense.
Strong fiscal control.
Know where to attack, and when not to.

[LibDemAlways]

156. How wimpy can you get?

Sounds like something an elementary school teacher would say to her unruly class.....Now boys and girls, we can do better.

The message has to be hard hitting - something along the lines of "Remove the Bastards." (I know that would never fly but the Dems ought to be in "take-no-prisoners" mode and the message ought to reflect it.)

[ernstbass]

157. It's very weak

Need something catchier

[Dr Fate]

158. I like "Bring Back the Good Times" n/t

n/t

[Barrett808]

160. How about: "Remember when government worked?"

Remember when government worked?
Vote Democrat.

[blm]

168. BEST ONE SO FAR, IMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.

[Barrett808]

173. Why, thank you, blm. Came to me this morning on the bus. n/t

[eppur_se_muova]

181. With photos of flooded NO, survivors in Superdome...

burned-out HUMV's, prisoners in Gitmo...
DeLay before a judge...
let's not forget OBL...

lots of variations here.

[Barrett808]

202. That would work nicely, wouldn't it?

How do we get this idea to the Democrats in charge of such things?

[beltanefauve]

186. YES!!!!!!!

[JPZenger]

161. How About: "We're Not as Corrupt as Those Guys"

[fshrink]

166. America cannot do worse!

[FighttheFuture]

171. Weak. How about "Dems, not as sucky as Reps"? "Or, the "lesser" party"

Cripes, Harry. Try not to hit them to hard with the feather pillows while you have them in the comfy chair.

How about, "We the People" party. Oh, but then you would have to jettison your corporate $$ and losers like Lieberman, etc.

[eppur_se_muova]

176. "It's the REPUBLICAN economy, Stupid!"

I still think that one word adds so much more cachet to this classic...

[Doremus]

179. We can do better all right -- better SLOGAN, that is. n/t

[katty]

182. 'Democrats Can Do Alot Better"

[1620rock]

183. How about "PEACE JUSTICE PROSPERITY" ?

[natrat]

184. what the fuck is his problem

up against the most dangerous and dishonest crew in american history and this is all he can come up with. Me thinks he stinks

[Gloria]

185. OK, Let's use something that's been successful in the past....HERE

Something along the lines of "It's time to people first FOR A CHANGE!"

[nittacci]

187. I'd like to see:

I've got a few slogans I'd like to see:

"It doesn't HAVE to be Hillary"

"Are you better off than you were 6 years ago?"

"Bush Kissed the Saudi Prince"

"A More Sober White House"

"The Adults Had Their Chance"

[AirAmFan]

198. Sounds familiar? It should. John Kerry repeated, 'We can do better' all along

the campaign trail. Just google 'kerry transcript "we can do better"'.

One of the more than 26,000 hits you'll get is the climax of his convention acceptance speech.

From http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25678-2004Jul29.html

"KERRY: We can do better, and we will. We're the optimists. For us, this is a country of the future. We're the can-do people.

And let's not forget what we did in the 1990s: We balanced the budget. We paid down the debt. We created 23 million new jobs. We lifted millions out of poverty. And we lifted the standard of living for the middle class. We just need to believe in ourselves and we can do it again. (APPLAUSE)

So tonight, in the city where America's freedom began, only a few blocks from where the sons and daughters of liberty gave birth to our nation, here tonight, on behalf of a new birth of freedom, on behalf of the middle class who deserve a champion, and those struggling to join it who deserve a fair shot, for the brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives every day and the families who pray for their return, for all those who believe our best days are ahead of us, with great faith in the American people, I accept your nomination for president of the United States. (APPLAUSE)"

[TheMadMonk]

199. Slam(mer) it home

"We can do better" - Not great. The emphasis falls automatically upon the "We". It's a setup for failure, and a rod with which to beat Dems at every minor screwup. Toss it.


The Dems are about to be (hopefully) handed an entire buffet full of "heads on platters". Serve them up, with a huge helping of crow(ing).


Hows this for an add campaign?

DeLay sold Texas to Big Business.

Delay's incarceration mug shot.

Sound of Jailhouse door slamming and overstamp + voiceover: "America Can Do Better."

And repeat for every malefactor and ever malfeasance.

It's got the added bonus of "not wasting the viewer's time"

It also carries the implication that America already is doing better.

And for the ones who get/got away.

Their screwups and "America Deserves Better". Probably needs a different sound effect, or possibly several depending on the particular message.

And repeat for every malefactor and ever malfeasance.

Theres enough meat there to run these right throughought an entire presidential campaign without having to repeat. In fact that could be worked up into an incredibly powerful media talking point. Effectively, so much shit went down in the WH, that in three (or whate ver the length of campaigning) months, we only have time to tell you of each once.


Normally I am, like any halfway decent person, against mudslinging as a political tactic. However, this is Grade A, Prime, certifiably clean mud. And it is the perfect foil for the storm of bayou bottom muck the Repukes will be trying to serve up.

Five or ten second visual/sound bite vs. convoluted manufactured smear story.

Not only will the short message hit home harder, and make a longer lasting impression, but it will also help show the smear up for exactly what it is and reflect a great deal of Repuke muck straight back in their faces.

Twofers are great, but that's not all folks. This one's a threefer.

It may be impossible to crash a presidential rally these days, but not neccessarily so those of lesser lights. And every time they offer up some self serving piece of shit from the podium, return it from the crowd with a huge dose of english:

America can do Better or America Deserves Better

If you can force them into a position of trying to justify themselves they've already lost.



I love a lot of the other idea being bruited about. However most of them are complete unto themselves. They make great bumper stickers but they're not a versatile tagline which can be attatched to any and all of a thousand and one Repuke outrages.


"Enough is Enough!" Love it, but unfortunately, the average American doesn't have too much of a clue any more (thanks to the media) and by the time you've finished educating them about what you and they have had enough of, they've channel surfed over to Faux.

Same goes for "No More!"

"Restore(ing) America's Soul" or "Taking back America" are good meta-slogans, But they lack the oomph needed to smack the Repukes squarely between the eyes at every turn.

However, either'd make a great name for the whole campaign.


Metsup Had enough? VOTE DEMOCRATic.

And Restore Democracy...

Professor: wish I could disagree, but that's exactly how the Repukes have managed to keep the numbers close enough to fiddle. "Free Luna!"

Flaming Lib You forgot Honest Abe and his: "You can fool some of the people..." They shot him too.

Even Reagan's "It's morning in America." earned him a bullet.

imoutahere: How about "Reclaim(ing) old Glory" Does the Author of "The Night Before Fitzmas" or anyone else want to take a crack at reworking "Old Ironsides" for the occasion?


How about "Returning America to Americans!"?

Or to expand upon an old and treasured theme:

honnêteté, intégrité, moralité

[eppur_se_muova]

200. BRING DEMOCRACY HOME

or

OPERATION RESTORE DEMOCRACY

just to cut in on the chickenhawks' turf

[eppur_se_muova]

201. While they're at it, they could start floating the meme...

"Conservativeless Compassion"

[sallyseven]

205. How about

It's About Competency"

[MagickMuffin]

206. America Deserves Better

America Deserves Better America Deserves Better America Deserves Better

[gapower]

207. True statement, but no UMPH

I prefer Leahy's quote brought to us by Jon Stewart:

"ACTUALLY WE'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON"

[kick_them_hard]

209. both together

America can do better. Enough is enough!~

[baron j]

210. How about "1291, and counting..."