Campaign slogans

2016 "Make America Great Again" - I actually think this was a brilliant slogan as it clearly speaks to those who feel the world and country are changing too fast. For those it spoke to, it was a hopeful message. The slogan directly speaks to who he wanted to speak to, and while one may conclude that Trump did not think America was great at that time, I don't see this as being overly offensive. I looked at it more like the opening to "All in the Family." Considering Archie Bunker's racism and Trump's race-baiting comments, I can see how some saw racist undertones in the slogan.

2020 "Keep America Great" - Another good slogan. Combines the 2016 slogan with an implication that Trump has reversed things and he is the path to continued greatness.

2024 "Take America Back" - Anyone else see this as very offensive and scary, especially considering the Jan 6th insurrection? It implies that America has since been corrupted by an illegitimate government, and the people need to take the country back. Really puts an "us vs them" stamp on the whole election. Scary that so many people feel that way. Biden used "Build back better" (a crappy slogan, IMO), but that doesn't imply that the Trump government was illegitimate, just that it was incompetent and F'ed things up and the Biden path was a better way. A hopeful message that he could do better.

When Harris says "Save Democracy" (or similar) is this the same thing? It implies that her path is the only way the USA continues to be a democracy. Again, it implies an "us vs them" in that Trump supporters do not favor democracy. Or "Save America from those who wish to make it not Democratic". Sounds desperate and not hopeful.

I can see why many in the middle are turned off by both candidates.

Kamala is better off sticking with the "Harris works for you" message.

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Crazywaterspring · 61-69, M

Conservatives fail to realize the country's demographics are changing. Permanently. The fifties are no more.

In the two biggest states, California and Texas, whites are the minority.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@Crazywaterspring And "take america back" seems to be speaking to those whites who fear a minority status.

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

@Crazywaterspring Also, the 1950s they want to go back to only existed on TV.

Crazywaterspring · 61-69, M

@LordShadowfire True. That utopia was started by Reagan's speech writers.

PicturesOfABetterTomorrow · 41-45, M

Honestly I think if the Democrats actually ran on a handful of policies they would win hands down.

I think worrying about slogans is kind of the wrong angle.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@PicturesOfABetterTomorrow True. The slogans make no difference to me. I'm just thinking about the tone they set for others, and the campaigns as a whole. If Biden hadn't dropped out late, I think the Democrats would have had more time to strategize.

exchrist · 31-35

Agree its alot of conflict. I think trump started it but yes unity is best. Ig seem kamala is preaching unity. Though not in her slogans?

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WalksWith · 56-60, F

Wasn't it Reagan's slogan first though?

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@WalksWith Similar slogans have been used by many candidates.

SomeMichGuy · M

@WalksWith I think Reagan wanted to "Make America Great, like it once was"...if memory serves.

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

@WalksWith Technically speaking, it was Hitler's slogan first.

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

Save democracy means we think Dems are good leaders.

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

"No More Malarkey" was kinda cringe, but at least it addressed Trump.

As to how this is a close race for the undecideds, I genuinely don't get it, even with cruddy slogans.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@LordShadowfire I agree. I think there is a stark difference between the candidates. The "undecideds" I know are undecided between their normal party and not voting at all. Personally, I find this irresponsible. My wife falls into this category. There is no way in hell she would vote Trump, but she is undecided about Harris based upon Israel policy. But to not vote for Harris simply based upon that, knowing that on every other policy she would agree with Harris just sounds dumb to me. I think it is similar for many MAGAs. They think Trump is a jerk, talks out of his ass, is a liar, but policy wise they can't vote for Harris. Its only about whether Trump can appeal to them (or not offend them) enough that he can get their vote.

This is a weird election that defies even the "lesser of two evils" strategy. For most elections I have voted in over the past 30 years, I saw both candidates as "acceptable", even if "evil". In other words, I could vote for the "lesser of two evils" and accept if the other won. But with Trump, I view him as simply unqualified. And for MAGAs, they view Harris as unqualified. In other words, they aren't even just "evil", they cannot accept if their candidate does not win. "Lesser of two evils" places both in an "evil" category, and therefore makes little difference who wins. That doesn't seem to be happening this time. You either vote Harris or nobody or vote Trump or nobody. I am sure someone will study statistics of the number of ballots that leave the president blank.

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