“Change You Can Xerox…”
February 21st, 2008 at 10:25pm Matt Margolis
Ha! I like it.
Hillary Rodham Clinton accused Democratic presidential rival Barack Obama of political plagiarism Thursday night and said he represented “change you can Xerox.” Obama dismissed the charge out of hand, adding in a campaign debate, “What we shouldn’t be doing is tearing each other down, we should be lifting the country up.”
The exchange marked an unusually pointed moment in an otherwise civil encounter in the days before March 4 primaries in Texas and Ohio — contests that even some of Clinton’s supporters say she must win to sustain her campaign for the White House.
UPDATE: More Obama/Rezko details…
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, Democrats
9 Comments
1. Christian Wright | February 21st, 2008 at 10:47 pm
And Clinton was booed when she made that snide remark.
Clinton is out. Obama is in.
Yes we can!
2. Diana Powe | February 21st, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Except that Xerox is a registered trade name owned by Xerox Corporation and cannot be properly used as a synonym for “photocopy”.
3. neocon | February 21st, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Diana,
For your own good, be less anal and get a life.
4. Diana Powe | February 21st, 2008 at 11:28 pm
neocon,
It’s not being anal. If a tradename owner fails to show that they are defending that name then it can lose their rights to the name. Escalator was once a trade name for one company’s brand of moving stairs. However, if you’re not interested in capitalism…
5. Almiranta | February 21st, 2008 at 11:44 pm
So now Diana is working for Xerox as well as being an agitator for the Radical Left? Busy lady!
Clearly, Diana is following one of the Left’s cherished precepts: If you can’t discuss the issue, change the subject. And if possible, try to get in a dig…”…if you’re not interested in capitalism…”
Too too silly, Di. Just too silly. Why not address the point, which is that Hillary is pointing out that Obama is recycling things rather than coming up with his own ideas? Too threatening to admit that?
Personally, I thought the comment witty and to the point. But Obama does appeal to a certain simple-mindedness, as illustrated by CW, who has finally found a slogan he can remember and quote correctly. Yes you can!!
6. Dennis | February 21st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Ha! of course Matt would like it. He’s a youngster and you know how kids are - always good for a cheap put-down or a fart joke.
And of course the audience overwhelmingly rejected it.
Both candidates were impressive tonight, but in my estimation Barack Obama came across as presidential. He was analytical, quick and intellectually agile and his graciousness never seemed contrived - it flowed naturally.
It was gratifying to realize people around the world were also watching. Other nation’s leaders understand that the Bush era is over - that’s not what America is about. It never really was, and although it seemed like it for a while people have finally waken up and sincerely want us to live up to our historic ideals.
I was proud of both candidates, proud to be an American and I’m almost willing to believe again that we might actually rise above these last seven years of national darkness. Almost. We still have a dangerous crew at the helm - these final months will be a critical, telling interval.
7. Darva Conger | February 22nd, 2008 at 12:54 am
Thats it. Clinton’s Xerox joke has but the nail in Obama’s political coffin. The line was so biting, so powerful that I am certain McCain will trot it out on a regular basis.
Brother.
She had waited all night to use that practiced like, and if fell flat.
She’s done. And with her lies the GOP’s last hope to demonize the candidate.
But I do suppose McCain car roll out his Mom to trash Obama as a Muslim (he’s not but what does she know), like how she was used to bash Romney’s faith.
8. Some Assembly Required | February 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 am
She was booed for making that comment, however was it just me or did everyone else notice when the failure of the Bush Government was mentioned in Texas, of all places, there was nothing but applause. Interesting. Even a standing ovation at the end for both candidates. Interesting. Obama even managed to point out some inadequacies in McCain’s campaign which he will have a tough time debating and defending if Obama gets the nom. Interesing.
9. Joe | February 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 am
Yep, that sure was a funny line. But a Obama has a pretty good explanation as well.
Speaking of great lines from the debate. This may be one of the best (again from Clinton):