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Don't Say 'Recession,' Say 'Recovery'

Obama uses focus groups, polls to sell stimulus package

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2009 5:59 PM CST

(Newser) – It’s not “infrastructure,” it’s an “investment.” It’s not a “recession,” it’s a “recovery.” Such are the pearls of wisdom Team Obama is spreading to congressional allies, Bloomberg reports. Gleaned from focus-group research and polling, these linguistic tweaks are designed to sell a nearly trillion-dollar measure to the public. But Obama aides insist they’re only testing language—not the package’s actual substance.

“Not unlike news organizations, we poll public attitudes about where the economy is,” said Obama’s press secretary. “We’re not polling to see what should be in the economic recovery plan.” So far, results are positive. “People don’t know the details,” said Nancy Pelosi, "but they like the brand.”

President-elect Barack Obama smiles during a news conference in Washington today.
President-elect Barack Obama smiles during a news conference in Washington today.   (AP Photo)
President-elect Barack Obama gestures during a news conference in Washington today.
President-elect Barack Obama gestures during a news conference in Washington today.   (AP Photo)
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We polled everything, every policy initiative, everything you can think of. It’s become pretty standard. - Dick Morris, former Clinton adviser

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Jan 10, 2009 6:24 AM CST
It's CHANGE! CHANGE! CHANGE! Actually, taking all the CHANGE out of your pocket with no clue what to do with it. Government is not the solution, it's the problem.
Caps
Jan 9, 2009 10:48 PM CST
Now that is funny but correct.
Guest
Jan 9, 2009 9:50 PM CST
Yeah, let's get back to the good old days of George W. Bush! (At least Monica was the only thing that sucked during the Clinton era.)

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