What, haven't heard people chanting "Vero Possumus" lately? How about the non-Latin translation, "Yes, we can." The Obama campaign rolled out a snazzy new logo at a round table meeting with 16 of the nation's Democratic governors on Friday, that inspired one big question: "Did I sleep through the last seven months and Obama is president already?"
The logo is a dead ringer for the presidential seal, (note the Vero Possumus switch) right down to the cargo the eagle is toting (though I haven't seen any website plugs on the real deal. . . ) The stolen seal has quite a few dishing about the audacity of the swipe.
On MSNBC Pat Buchanan unleashed on the make believe seal saying, "It is too cute by half. It's a knock-off, it's a rip-off, it's a counterfeit. . . they oughta get rid of that nonsense and they're going to be mocked and ridiculed until they do."
A Republican National Committee spokesman said, “Unfortunately for Barack Obama, props won’t seal the deal with the American people. Obama will be judged on his record not oversized, make-believe presidential logos.”
The Obama camp defended the decoration saying, "We've used different design elements at different events, this worked well for this event."
Is this clever graphic design, or a disrespectful (possibly illegal?) game of campaign make-believe?
By Malene Birger
Ikks
Anthony Peto
If I had seen that on my own, I would have thought "Nice sign, go marketing team!" and not thought twice about it. I think there are a few more important things to call a candidate on.
1I agree Kris, 100%. This is getting silly right about now.
2I don't think it's disrespectful, but I do think it's a little silly. Just reminds me of a little kid in a fireman's uniform or something.
3Ditto. I see where they were going with it, but it does look a little silly. Still, it's certainly not offensive, and I wouldn't go flouncing about, whining about him acting like he's won already. Appearing presidential is a huge part of the campaign.
What seems more silly is that we're taking this much time to discuss it.
4I understand the psychology of the seal. Get used to watching me behind it, and you'll associate the presidency with me. We'll see if it works for him.
5This is just not that interesting.
6It's not like he peed on the American flag. Meh.
7So....what did everyone think about his speeches about short term economic goals, and long term economic plans? I think it is a very well rounded approach that takes our biggest problems and turns them into a positive for our country.
8Heck yes, Jillness! Why aren't there any posts on that?
9I have wondered that myself tresjolie.
10Economics? Why bother talking about something silly like that when we can discuss a sign that looks like another sign???
11Why is this even a discussion? Let's talk substantive issues.
12Good morning all
Is this where we're hanging today?
13Wow...Next they're going to be talking about how he has a cavity from when he was 16.
People in the media need to get real stories airing. I'm sure the victims of Hurricane Katrina would love to get some publicity 3 years after the fact that they STILL haven't received much aid.
14the man has a talented graphic design, which is one of the many, many things that make him superior to the other presumptive candidate. however, this is just as bad as the flag pin issue. whatever. move on, please.
15Go UnDave, you took the thought right out of my brain. I can't wait to see Stephen Colbert tonight talking about how Barack stole the Colbert eagle.
16I can see why it's interesting. And why does everything have to be shocking to be considered newsworthy? It's interesting to me because the Obama campaign, with complicity from the media, is more or less taking the attitude that this election is a forgone conclusion.
17Riiiight, and the media has been so incredibly hard on the Bush administration.
18I think this is just silly, it makes me laugh...
19I think the sign is cute, clever, and a little bit tongue-in-cheek.
At this point people should be concerned about where the candidates stand on issues and how they plan to accomplish their goals if they became president.
20OMG! Y'all it's only June! This stuff is going to continue until November.
I'd like to see what type of predictions everyone has for what the next 5 months of media coverage, political wranglings will hold for us with regard to Obama. **Not a slight to you McCain people at all...I just think the "right" is much more ingenious/ clever when it comes to political games - the left is lame and unfortunately better at issuing statements of outrage, versus making outrageous statements*8
21Is no one else concerned about the feral possums he's advertising?
22I really believe we should be discussing more news worthy issues.
Jill - I didn't know that was you. This changing back and forth people -double takes.
23I just think its super cheesy thats it. kind of desperate.
24Aside from the positioning of the Eagle and its cargo nothing else is the same and whether it's Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain it's alright with me.
He's running for President and if his campaign wants to emblemize his effort sure why not.
I think the voter would be better served by focusing on the issues that govern.
25That look on Bush's face is distracting me too much....
26I just don't care about this election anymore. I'm trying really hard to. But I don't. My passion is gone. I'm going to vote for Obama because he comes the closest to representing my beliefs, but I could care less about all this back and forth. My choice is pretty clear cut for me. I don't care to attack or defend either of them.
27UnDave: You absolutely nailed it. This is a ridiculous, poser move.
There is actually U.S. legal code on this issue:
28TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 33 > § 713
(a) Whoever knowingly displays any printed or other likeness of the great seal of the United States, or of the seals of the President or the Vice President of the United States, or the seal of the United States Senate, or the seal of the United States House of Representatives, or the seal of the United States Congress, or any facsimile thereof, in, or in connection with, any advertisement, poster, circular, book, pamphlet, or other publication, public meeting, play, motion picture, telecast, or other production, or on any building, monument, or stationery, for the purpose of conveying, or in a manner reasonably calculated to convey, a false impression of sponsorship or approval by the Government of the United States or by any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
I should add, this is just more of the liberal belief that pretending something is true, makes it so.
If we just agree to talk with Ahmendinijad (sorry for spelling), he will be our new BFF.
Negotiating with Russia will work.
Trade with China will cause them to buy into western ways.
Reducing our carbon footprint will fix all climatic issues.
etc. etc. etc.
29They decided to take it off because they didn't want Obama to come off as "arrogant," however another claims it was a "one time thing"....sureee
30http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/23/obama-camp-drops-familiar-presid...
& what a phony anyways...
31the design of course
Still, I think it was much better than a hand with the middle finger sticking up. That was really tasteless.
32Thanks, blondie! At least someone in his campaign has a little bit of sense.
Rac: No more tasteless than his "seal". And a lot more honest.
33Maybe he should develop that one....
anytime lainetm!
and Rac- atleast a hand with the middle finger sticking up would have a little more significance
34I guess we better call the feds on all those tv shows and movies with pretend presidents - get their sorry tushes fined!
35HE NEEDS TO GET HIS EGO IN CHECK
36stiletta makes a good point.
for all those that want to make light of these things, people need to realize that by the obama campaign trying to present themselves as the already foregone conclusion, they are insulting americans everywhere. who does obama think he is, Jesus Christ? ha, hardly. he is far from a foregone conclusion, and just because the media likes to wipe his bottom for him, doesn't mean the rest of the american people are going to dumb themselves down to this sort of parading.
the seal to be honest, is offensive, because i'm watching him to listen to his policies, his politics, and his beliefs. not to be bantered by his psycho-marketing techniques. i'm in marketing, and this is what we would call catering to the uneducated masses.
thank goodness, most of us aren't a part of that sector.
and for those who say there is more to judge a candidate on, i completely agree...like his racist religious beliefs that he is trying to run from by disaffiliating. for all those who are smart enough to get why the seal is offensive, should be appalled by his racist beliefs.
37yes, obama thinks he's jesus. just like you think you're remotely intelligent.
38
@ popgoestheworld
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