Memorable 2008 Election Quotes
With the 2008 presidential election soon to reach its conclusion, I think it’s fun to look back on some of the most memorable quotes uttered by politicians aspiring to the nation’s highest office. Here are some of the great zingers and one-liners that stand out in my mind:
“This is a lot like ‘Law & Order’. It has a huge cast, the series seems to go on forever, and Fred Thompson shows up at the end.”
The memorable quote was uttered by Mitt Romney during a Republican primary debate. It’s interesting to remember how everyone predicted an especially contentious and drawn-out Republican primary, only to see it come to an abrupt end after “Super Tuesday”.
“What in my background equips me to deal with evil and bad men?”
Wow, this was a fun one! Hillary Clinton used this sarcastic rhetorical question to refute the sexist doubts that some people raised about her ability to deal with tough and “evil” leaders in the world. Most people listening to this remark immediately saw it as a reference to her unfaithful husband (and former president) Bill Clinton. She denied this explanation, but never offered a convincing substitute.
“Yes.”
This, of course, is the one-word response that Joe Biden – a politician famous for talking too much and saying ridiculous things – gave during a Democratic primary debate when the moderator, Brian Williams, asked him if he had the discipline to avoid committing such “faux pas” as president. It took everyone a moment to realize that Biden wasn’t going to say anything more than this, and this simple answer served as one of most ironic and funny moments in the election.
“…and those styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot…”
This is perhaps one of the most biting and innovative insults uttered by a politician during this campaign. Making reference to the fanfare of the Democratic convention (one of the largest and most energetic in recent history) Sarah Palin sought to compare Obama and his candidacy to the decorative columns on the stage where he gave his speech. It doesn’t take a genius to see that Palin was comparing these decorations – which look impressive, but have no substance – to Obama himself.
“John McCain says he’ll follow Osama Bin Laden to the gates of Hell, but he won’t even follow him to the cave where he lives.”
If Senator Obama didn’t come up with this line himself, he needs to pay a big bonus to the campaign staffer who did. Obama delivered this stunning rebuke during a debate with McCain to diminish the claim made by the latter of superior national security judgment, specifically when it comes to the War on Terror.
“(For a middle-class voter to vote for John McCain)…is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders…”
This is the final quote I wanted to highlight, and was uttered yesterday by the AFL-CIO secretary treasurer, Rich Trumpka, while introducing Democratic V.P. candidate, Joe Biden, at a rally in Ohio. Regardless of whether you agree with this remark or not, the imagery is laugh-out-loud funny.
These are some of the memorable quotes and zingers which have stayed in my mind during this election. Feel free to comment below on any others that have made an impression on you.
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Tags: 2008 Election Quotes, Hillary Clinton Bad and Evil Men Quote, Joe Biden Simple Yes Quote, John McCain Won't Follow Bin Laden to the Cave Where He, Memorable 2008 Election Quotes, Mitt Romney Law & Order Quote, Sarah Palin Styrofoam Greek Columns Quote, Vote for John McCain is a Vote for Colonel Sanders
Politics | Christopher Wood October 15, 2008
4 Comments to “Memorable 2008 Election Quotes”
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» Memorable 2008 Election Quotes Joe Biden On Best Political Blogs: News And Info On Joe Biden — October 29, 2008 @ 11:47 am
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Memorable 2008 Election Quotes at Hillary Clinton On Best Political Blogs — October 29, 2008 @ 9:22 pm
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By Kelly, October 16, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
This is a disappointing, overtly partisan republican web-posting. How could you talk about memorable lines of this election without mentioning Palin’s first three interviews or McCain’s frighteningly disjointed and hilariously incorrect answers to questions? Don’t think you’re fooling anybody that this is a compilation of humorous or incorrect lines–This is a really thin attempt at advocacy for the republican ticket. Then again, given that ticket’s poor performance in the limelight and in the polls, maybe they need some dirty tricks. So, buena suerte, pathetic republican hack.
By Christopher Wood, October 16, 2008 @ 9:24 pm
Wow Kelly — I guess I can’t fool you! I’ve been accused of many things, but “overtly partisan republican web-posting” isn’t one of them. My friends — many of whom are Republicans — would be very surprised to hear that you think I’m a Republican hack. Then again, you seem to have an amazing talent for detecting secret conspiracies (such as my obvious advocacy for the Republican ticket). As such, you’ve also probably deduced that I’m really an alien from the planet Quozone who is secretly preparing Earth for a sinister alien invasion. We will feast on your brains…MWAHAHA!!!
But seriously, this article wasn’t about gaffes (such as those committed during Palin’s disastrous interviews). If you actually “read” the first paragraph, I am focusing on the intentional jokes, jabs and one-liners delivered by the various candidates and their surogates. If you look closely, you’ll find that several of the best one’s here are clearly pro-Democrat (gasp!) I apologize if I left out anything you think I should have included, but that’s what this comments section is for.
On an even more serious note I would ask you to take a very close look at your own soul. I don’t blame anyone for being passionate about their politics. I’m a big fan of constructive, intelligent debates (pardon my sarcastic remarks a few paragraphs ago — you had it coming). Nevertheless, it seems that you have become “hyper-senstive” toward anyone you “think” might be expressing an opposing viewpoint. You obviously have tremendous hatred in your heart for all things Republican, and you seem to be looking to start fights over nothing. It’s really scary to think of where that hatred could lead.
One of the most frightening scenes I’ve witnessed in recent political history has been the venom and anger expressed by some of the crowds at recent McCain rallies. Shouts of “traitor!”, “terrorist!”, and even “kill him!” have been shouted as McCain and Palin have falsely accused Obama of “palling aournd” with terrorists. Can you not see how your anger places you in the same category as many of these dangerous fanatics?
If we are ever going to heal the partisan wounds that have inflicted tremendous damage on our nation, we are going to have to learn to set aside extreme emotions and recognize our common humanity — Republican, Democrat and Independent alike. You may disagree with Republicans, and even hate some Republican politicians, but you must realize that your comments here betray a terrifying hostility toward nearly half this country’s population! As long as we assign the worst motives toward one another because of opposing political beliefs our nation is doomed to dwindle into mediocrity or worse. Take a deep breath, a good look in the mirror, and become a better person for it.