I recall a theme from discussion around the last election in the US regarding the use of code words in speeches. Inserting coded messages in to political rhetoric is a way for politicians to keep closer to the middle of the road, so as not to upset any particular group, but at the same time wink at specific interest groups.
I'm not talking about conspiracy, tin-foil types of coded messages but rather the use of particular terms that appeal to interest groups. Bruce Lincoln wrote about this back in 2004:
As president, Bush has always been outspoken about his faith, letting evangelicals know he shares their values and vision for America. But he has also been careful. Aware that he must appeal to the center to secure reelection, he employs double-coded signals that veil much of his religious message from outsiders. Biblical references, allusions to hymns, and specialized vocabulary are keys to this communication.
Listening to this clip from Hillary Clinton, I'm wondering if she is getting in to the same game - albeit for very different reasons ('...keep faith with the country...').
What I'd really like to do, is look for any signal in social media to see if this messaging has any effect.
In the words of the great bird, "Fiddlesticks and Flapdoodle!"
Posted by: StopMo | April 21, 2008 at 07:25 AM