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Did you notice that a better America began last night? Anything feel different to you?
What made me chuckle about Mitt Romney’s new slogan is the ridicule that has been heaped on Obama for four years because of his 2008 slogan. Every time someone wanted to criticize something bad that has happened on Obama’s watch, some unoriginal wag has asked “this is change we can believe in”?
For years, our friend Jennie has been appalled that Obama promised “fundamental change” in America. What’s the matter, she’d say, doesn’t he believe in the America that has been the world’s greatest country ever?
For years, our friend Dirk has mocked Obama’s naive supporters, calling him “The One,” and mocked his victory speech boast that this was the day the seas stopped rising and America began its recovery (can’t find the exact quote, but feel free to share).
So, will those who pretended to be so upset by Obama’s grandiosity be offended by Romney’s declaration that “A Better America Begins Tonight” because he won the Pennsylvania primary?
I doubt it, because I don’t think our Obama-baiting friends have ever been really offended by what Obama said. They’re just offended by him and by those who voted for him. Jennie is unlikely to interpret Romney’s promise of “a better America” as an insult to the current America.
Nor am I offended. Campaigns are advertising, and hyperbole is essential to advertising. Every candidate who is not an incumbent promises change, because few voters will be moved by promises to keep things the way they are. I never expected Romney to run as Mr. Humility, so I’m not surprised that he’s gotten more explicit about characterizing himself as the answer to America’s prayers.
I don’t expect the Obama-bashers to criticize Romney’s self-congratulations in the interest of consistency, because they aren’t interested in being consistent, at least in their rhetorical criticism. Nor do I expect Democrats to heap the same ridicule on Romney’s sloganeering that Republicans heaped on Obama’s — if only because they aren’t as good at keeping a straight face while pretending something ordinary and trivial is a huge deal.
