And, Here's A Few Political Cliches
Candidate Descriptions
· He's his own man.
· He's a man of vision.
· He's a visionary.
· He has a clear vision for our future.
· He's a man of character.
· He's a man of integrity.
· He's a man of great moral fiber.
· He's a candidate for the people.
· He'll bring dignity to the office.
· He's running a grassroots campaign.
· He cares about children and families.
· He's demonstrated real leadership.
· He'll make a difference in people's lives.
· He's good for the country.
· He knows what the country needs.
· He's running on his record.
· His record on the issues is clear.
· He's a voter advocate.
· The voters know what he stands for.
· The voters can identify with him.
· He understands the voters.
· He connects with the voters.
· He's willing to stand up to the Washington bureaucrats.
· He won't back down to the special interest groups
Running a Campaign
· This campaign will focus on the issues.
· We'll build a bridge to the 21st century.
· We'll face the challenges of the new millennium.
· We'll grow the economy.
· We're going to reform government.
· We'll reach across party lines.
· We're here to serve the American people.
· We'll fight for working families.
· We'll empower people.
· We'll leave no child behind.
· We must put children first.
· Our children's future is at stake.
· We have to look to the future.
· Together, we'll build our future.
· Together, we can make America great.
Discussing Polls
· It's still early.
· There's still a long way to go in this race.
· I've never believed in polls.
· What matters is how people vote on Election Day.
· Polls don't mean a thing.
· Polls are much ado about nothing.
· I looked at a poll earlier today and it showed a completely different result.
· The polls fail to show who has the momentum.
· People will vote with their conscience.
· People will vote with their hearts.
Debates
· He held his own.
· He hit a home run.
Cliches for Speeches
· This country has a proud heritage.
· I've journeyed into the heartland of America.
· I've met with real Americans.
· We are the defenders of freedom around the world.
· We're the leaders of the free world.
· We're the greatest country in the world.
· No dream is beyond our reach.
· We're one people bound together by a common set of ideas.
· Let's celebrate our diversity.
· We'll find out how great a nation we can be.
For Incumbents
· Our country is as strong as it's ever been.
· This country has come a long way.
· This country is headed in the right direction.
· We're a better, stronger country than we were four years ago.
· These are the most peaceful, prosperous times in our history.
· We still have a lot to do.
· The real credit goes to the American people.
For Challengers
· The middle-class deserve a tax cut.
· It's time to get tough on crime.
· Let's take back our streets from the criminals.
· We must win the war on drugs.
· We need affordable health care for all Americans.
· We need affordable prescription drugs for seniors.
· We have to break the gridlock in Washington.
· We have to change the tone in Washington.
· Are you better off today than you were four years ago?
· It's time for a change.
· It's time for a new beginning.
· It's time for real leadership.
Political Talk Shows
· He has flip-flopped on this issue.
· He has a hidden agenda.
· We're headed down a slippery slope.
· We have a changing political landscape.
· If we do that, then the terrorists win.
· The world changed forever on September 11th.
· Terrorism wreaks havoc on the very fabric of our democracy.
· Drugs wreak havoc on the very fiber of our society.
· The bill has support on both sides of the aisle.
· He's going to throw his hat into the ring.
· He's amassed a big war chest.
· He's out on the campaign trail.
· He's the dark horse in this race.
· He's a centrist.
· He's left-leaning.
· He's just to the left of center.
· He's in the hip pocket of big business.
· He has to rally the party faithful.
· The party rank and file are behind him.
· He has to get out and press the flesh.
· He's gaining momentum in the race.
· He has to get out the vote.
· He connects with the soccer moms.
· He just picked up a key endorsement.
· That's what this party stands for.
· He has to solidify the base.
· The voters are tired of negative campaigning.
· The voters are tired of all the name-calling.
· There's been a lot of mud-slinging in this campaign.
· They engage in partisan politics.
· They're playing dirty politics.
· This is a smear campaign.
· That's character assassination.
· They're playing political football.
· That's just a mean-spirited Republican policy.
· That's another tax-and-spend program.
· That's the liberal media bias.
· The mainstream press has ignored it.
· They're just (Current or last President)-bashing.
· He's trying to distance himself from (Current or last President).
Scandals
· We're all human.
· We all make mistakes.
· As the Bible says: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
· There was a lapse in judgement.
· There was an error in judgement.
· This is a private matter that's being dragged through the press.
· This is a fishing expedition.
· There's no smoking gun.
· You have to question the timing of this story.
· One incident should not tarnish his many years of distinguished public service.
· I'm sure he can rise above this.
· The true test of character is how you handle adversity.
· He regrets any pain he may have caused.
· He has faced this matter with dignity and honor.
· He has freely admitted his mistake.
· He has taken full responsibility for his actions.
· He has begun to reconcile with his family.
· It's time to move on.
· It's time to move forward.
· We must put this unfortunate chapter behind us.
· We must let the healing process begin.
Elections
· We're expecting a strong voter turnout.
· This race is too close to call.
· The race is a virtual dead heat.
· They're running neck and neck.
· Key precincts have not yet reported.
· That's a battleground state.
· He should be able to carry the state.
· He appeals to the swing voters.
· What's happening in the Bush camp?
· It's obviously a jubilant atmosphere here at party headquarters.
· It's obviously a somber mood here at party headquarters.
· He's not ready to claim victory yet.
· He's not ready to concede defeat yet.
· He stayed on message.
· He got out the vote.
· He resonated with the voters.
· He ran on a strong party platform.
· How long are his coat-tails?
· It was a landslide election.
· He has a voter mandate.
Candidate Speeches
· I've called the senator and offered my congratulations.
· The people of the great state of New York have spoken.
· Tonight, the people of the great state of New York have sent a message.
· We're ready to go to Washington and get to work for the American people.
· Finally, I'd like to thank my wife and family who have stood by me every step of the way.
Recounts
· Every vote is precious.
· Every vote is sacred.
· Every vote must be counted.
· Each vote is like a human voice.
· We must determine the will of the people.
· The voice of the voters must be heard.
· The recount must be full, fair, and accurate.
· Our democracy is at stake.
· If we ignore votes, we ignore democracy.
· We must do what's in the best interest of the country.
· We must have a full recount for the good of the country.
· We must follow the rule of law.
· We don't want a fast result, we want an accurate result.
· We can't disenfranchise the voters.
· You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
· The votes have already been counted three times.
· This election should not be decided in the courts.
· They're trying to steal the election.
