Insincerity

[the populist]

Are there any phrases that candidates repeat that make them sound insincere? Any time a candidate quotes MLK, I cringe. It's so unoriginal and boring.

I think a lot of Dean's support is due to the fact that he seems to believe what he's saying.

Are there any phrases or positions by certain candidates that you find disgustingly insincere?

PS. I'm crossing my fingers in hope not to hear any token MLK quoting in tonight's debate.

[Kathleen04]

1. I would bet..

that Gephardt is going to use the "I can't be what I oughta be until you can be what you oughta be" quote..not that I think he is being insincere, but he uses that one alot.

[mr_hat]

2. I hate when they say, "Unacustomed as I am to public speaking..." Also >

*pok pok* "Is this thing on?"

[liberalhistorian]

8. LOL!

I hate that, too! I simply cannot understand why they can't see just how phony that really is.

[eyesroll]

3. Well, we are close to MLK day, so it wouldn't be unexpected

(And FWIW, all nine will release statements on MLK Day. Otherwise, they'd be criticized for not saying anything.)

It bugs me tremendously when candidates are asked who their favorite political scientist, philosopher or historical figure was, and they pull something easy. Jesus, for example. Nothing against the man, he had a lot of good things to say, but too easy.

[the populist]

10. Yeah.

Or they'll pull up Gandhi or MLK. I hate it when they play it safe. Was it Mosely-Braun who said Descartes was her favorite philospher? I don't like her, but that was a brave, pander-free answer.

[wyldwolf]

4. "I represent the Democratic wing of the Democratic party"

... is immediately divisive.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

5. "coming together"

it's either an emptyless phrase or an inappropriate description. There is hardly ever a need for a politician to say it.

Also, PLEASE tell the candidates that were/are in the legislature that the very FIRST time we hear "6.5 billion dollars" as in "my plan calls for 6.5 billion dollars invested in America family business - coming together" - it makes us fall asleep.

[Killarney]

6. Anything Bush says sounds insincere to me.

;)

[Kathleen04]

7. lol, so true!

The fact that he smirks after every statement he makes is especially insincere.

[ShimokitaJer]

11. It's hard to be sincere....

when you don't understand the big words your speechwriters wrote for you.

[EstimatedProphet]

9. How about "evildoers"

Makes me cringe.