The We Factor

If there is a single clarifying distinction to be made between the Clinton and the Obama campaigns it is this:

When Bill Clinton says "We," he means Hillary and himself.

When Barack Obama says "We," he means himself and the American people.

Comments

[midtown]

Robert Brustein is using his fabulous dramatist's ear and hearing correctly.

[pithymaxim]

It's not his fault; his deprived childhood is largely responsible for these frank borderline, narcissistic, and anti-social personality traits.

[johnnyjust]

Remove head, regain objectivity.

[anniethena]

Oui oui, the "we" factor is a "wee" factor in a campaign flavoured with a "whee!"-inspiring candidate.
Just havin' a wee bit o' fun with a wee blog entry - "we" are much amused.
(and I'm deliberately avoiding any use of a hyphenated double wee).

Seriously, every candidate uses "we" when talking about the campaign effort. "We" will help elect "me" sums it up for all of them. Obama is no different - if he says " we can do it", he means "we the people" can elect "him".
Unless, of course, he means he's going to put every new policy up for a national referendum.

[ayc]

Short, sweet, clear, and important. Thanks for this brilliant piece of writing.

[cktirumalai]

Anyone who has lived in Britain or is familiar with its ways knows that when "we" is used by one person there it means the monarch: King or Queen. To "we" in that sense Americans are allergic, at least on American soil. George Washington was careful not to acquire any of the trappings of monarchy, although Alexander Hamilton may have favored it.