First Laddie

Oh, you'll take the high road, and I'll take the low road.

Buzzword

"Change" is the undisputed stump word for the turbulent presidential campaign. From where does this word get its spellbinding power.

As Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once said about pornography: "I know it when I see it." This year's primary candidates seem to have a clear view of it. Hillary Clinton speaks of her years of experience "making" it. Mitt Romney wants to bring it "to Washington." Barack Obama promises you "can believe in" it. John Edwards proposes "we need" it. Fred Thompson says it "has been a part of every election since the dawn of elections."

In 1976, Jimmy Carter offered himself as "a leader" for change. In 1984, Walter Mondale held that "America needed" it. But Ronald Reagan avoided mentioning it as did Bill Clinton in 1996. President Bush too turned away from it in 2004.

Voting for change. Will it work its magic in 2008?

Looking for the traditional Democrat

In one especially elegant phrase, Barack Obama in his New Hampshire farewell outlined the importance of staying positive and dignified during the presidential campaign, and beyond: "We can disagree without being disagreeable."

On January 11th, 1964, Lyndon Baines Johnson used this same quote at a reception for members of the Democratic National Committee.

Hillary’s Political Midnight

In Henniker on the day before the New Hampshire primary, Bill Clinton said, "I can’t make her younger, taller or change her gender."

There may be no need. Because as pundit, David Brooks, points out waitress moms will stick with Hillary through thick and thin.

At her victory party, Hillary triumphantly proclaimed, "I found my own voice."

Heads up America. Change is on the way.