Catchphrases tend to get old and the value they once had tendency to turn on itself. Latest to suffer from the linguistic malady of self-parody is "stay the course."
The RNC and White House Department of Catchphrases went into overdrive this week sending out their chief catchprhaser, RNC Chairman, Ken Mehlman, who test drove the Republican's newest memetic, "adapting to win" in an attempt to rehabilitate the administration failures embedded in their trusty "stay the course" when referring to the Iraqi incursion.
Breaking down its problems...
STAY
Most Americans don't want to "stay."
COURSE
The "course" that the administration wants us to "stay," has shown to be an utter catastrophe.
THE
Actually still works quite well except what adjoining "stay" and "course" in describing George Bush's foreign policy.
Of course, as the Bush administration has shown great prowess in never adapting, so "Adapting to Win" doesn't do much better.
Slow to modify all their clichés, the crusty "cut and run" used as a misfinition of John Murtha's desired strategy in Iraq still holds place with talk radio and old white pundits who still think "talk to the hand" and wassup" is hip.
Still, not milked incessantly out of style, catchphrases can work.
Note to Murtha and the DNC: The next time the RNC/White House uses one of their antiquated cliché, here are some suggestions.
"That's going to leave a mark" - Describing the Bush administration's Iraq invasion.
"Step away from..." - Fill in any Republican bill.
"Ca-ching" - Summarizing Republicans taking bribes.
"You're fired" - When asked what he would tell Donald Rumsfeld
(Pick one) "Eat my shorts," "Sit on it," "Whachoo talkin' about, Willis?"- Every time any pundit says Murtha wants to "cut and run."
"Oh my God, I thought they killed Kenny" - When another Republican/Bush connected pal is caught pulling a Ken Lay, ripping off the public.
If you have anymore catchphrases, feel more than free to comment. But if you do, I'm stealing it because...well, because, if I am not allowed to steal your work, "the terrorists have won."
Steve Young is author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful" and the newly released "15 Minutes" (HarperCollins).
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.