Obama, the man with new ideas? Apparently not for TV ads

[rinsd]

By Greg Sargent | bio

Obama's new TV ad in Iowa -- which we posted below -- offers the following as one of its key lines:

"I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change."

That's a key Obama line. It's worth noting, though, that John Edwards actually deserves credit for coming up with it. A reader sends in this, from Edwards' 2003 Presidential campaign announcement speech:

"I haven't spent most of my life in politics, which most of you know, but I have spent enough time in Washington to know how much we need to change Washington."

Not a huge deal, obviously, and perhaps the statute of limitations on a sentiment like this has long run out. Still, credit where credit's due, and all that.

Update: Also worth noting: David Axelrod was Edwards' media adviser then, and he's advising Obama now.

http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/jul/31/new_obama_ad_echoes_edwards_line_from_2004

[William769]

1. Once again, Obama taking the lead lead from someone else.

Wait a minute, he can't seem to get the lead from Hillary on anyhting.

[DURHAM D]

2. If Obama's statement is correctly quoted it is arrogant.

Reminds me of the current President. It raises the question - Who does he think he is? Is he just going to force it from the top down? It is extremely authoritarian. Did he really say - "must change" ?

Edward's statement was much better - "need to change".

[sandnsea]

3. You sure don't have any new ideas

Tellurian posted that trash on Tuesday.

http://upload.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3418328

[rinsd]

4. Well hat tip to Tellurian then.

Thanks I'll have to thank her.

[ariesgem]

5. They ALL do it. Back in 2003,

Howard Dean ripped off Paul Wellstone's line, "I represent the Democratic wing of the Democratic party". When Edwards and Kerry tag teamed Dean to knock him down a couple of pegs, they stoled some of Dean's lines to use in their stump speeches like "we're going to take back our country", "Bush lite", "you have the power".
:shrug: What's your point?

[Connie_Corleone]

6. This happens every presidential election.

Even republicans who aren't in Washington have used it, way before Edwards.

As far as I know, Edwards didn't copyright the phrase, so anyone can use it.

[Dawgs]

7. Well Hillary's been trying to steal Bill's entire Presidency, so what's the problem with one line?

:shrug:

[mikelgb]

8. it is a cliche political line

[RufusTFirefly]

9. Why waste time defending Hillary's policies when you can attack Obama's ads instead?

Like giving a sociopath a blank check to go to war, for example.

(Oh, that old chestnut? Let's ignore the inconvenient truth of needless dead people and move on.)

Or like blaming the Iraqi government for not rolling over and handing over the country's oil to multinationals.

[Morereason]

10. Boy, the candidate propaganda machine is full force. You should be ashamed. Didn't we want change?

All the sharks rallying when they smell blood all over DU. It's sick. It is so tiring.