I don't think anyone is saying that the phrase is not a stock phrase. That's not the point. (although I'd never heard it before - is it one of those regional things?)
Interesting cartoon, Roger.
It's unfortunate, but one of the characteristics of this campaign, including the primaries, has been the parsing of one side's language by his/her opponents. Phrases have been taken out of context and interpreted in ways that were harmful. All the candidates have done this, Obama included.
But this has probably been true of most election campaigns in the past, too.
But what is different this time out is the immediacy with which these things get whirled around the internet, and in the process get distorted and blown out of proportion. As well, what's also different is that the mainstream media is giving these incidents such huge play compared to the past.
Issues anyone?
c.
