Politically Indirect: Interpreting Politician-Speak

It's easy to hear what politicians say, but not so easy to know exactly what they are saying. We only know the two are not the same. Here are 10 examples of differences between what they say and what they mean:
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It's easy to hear what politicians say, but not so easy to know exactly what they are saying. We only know the two are not the same. Here are 10 examples of differences between what they say and what they mean:

  • FLIP-FLOP
  • I didn't think you'd understand the word "reversal."

  • ESTEEMED COLLEAGUE
  • I hate his guts.
  • IF YOU WILL
  • I'm sorry, I have no idea of what I just said
  • GOING FORWARD
  • I'm making a circular movement resulting in a full stop
  • WHAT AMERICA WANTS
  • Whatever lobbyists pay me to say you want.
  • SEA CHANGE
  • I'll send U.S. jobs overseas because those corporations pay me a lot more than you do.
  • SPECIAL INTERESTS
  • Anonymous corporations willing to pay large money for small favors. Pipeline anyone?
  • OBSTRUCTIONIST
  • By voting no, I can stay loyal to those who pay me the most.
  • MANDATE
  • That's when I'm paid to make you believe that something you don't want is something you do want. Also known as Inventing Statistics.
  • BI-PARTISAN
  • Even if it's good for the nation, I say no anyway because it's now my comfort zone.
  • I used to think D.C. stood for District of Columbia but it doesn't -- it stands for Dodge City.

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