New frame: Republi-cants

[CoolOnion]

So Republicans want to call us "Defeat-o-crats" now, huh? When I heard that, the first thing I thought of was "republi-cant," and thought "Man, they just handed that opportunity to us on a silver platter." Turns out, Stephen Yellen of Huffington Post thought of it back in April, and I'm sure other people are saying it to the TV in living rooms all across America. We should push the word as a "talking point" this election season, should really push it this election season to get the message out that Republicans can't balance the budget, can't find Osama, can't protect us during times of disaster, and can't deliver on any of their campaign promises.

Republi-can't. Start making your own list today. For inspiration, check out Stephen Yellen's column, from the April 4 edition of Huffington Post:

Sherman Yellen: The Republicants
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sherman-yellen/the-republicants_b_18428.html

[acmejack]

1. Republiclowns

I used to run with republicons, but now I believe they are more appropriately treated with derision. After six years we know their economic policies are jokes, their foreign policy or lack of one would be laughable if it was not so tragic, their entire pretense at governance makes them nothing more than a bunch of buffoons! Hence, they are the Republiclowns!

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

2. You mean like my T-shirt here?

[CoolOnion]

3. Ohhhhh...right., I have seen that before!

We should all get shirts like that!

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

6. I got mine from Park Cities Democrats

They had a booth at the State Convention. I bet they could still get you one.

[CoolOnion]

4. ...and in a related news story...

...as British intelligence was hard at work foiling the latest terrorist plot, Bush was trying to cut funding for explosives detection technology...

Bush staff wanted bomb-detect cash moved
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060811/ap_on_go_ot/terror_explosives_detection

[Bucky]

5. I'd vote against it, if only b/c at DU it will eventually devolve into...

...calling them "Republicunts". I remember a couple of years ago making fun of the petty name callers who came up with "ReThuglicans" and who overworked the tired and innaccurate "nazi" label. I did this by coining the phrase "RePunklaNazis" in what I thought was going to be over the top satire. Within a week I saw two different posters using that phrase.

Name calling is tiresome. I'd rather work for change.

[CoolOnion]

7. You're missing the elegance of a clever turn of phrase

"Can" vs. "Can't" Very simple, elegant, and to the point. Thought Criminal's T-shirt, for instance, turns the phrase and reframes their best argument--how they're better at keeping us safe, et al--highlighting the facts about their record, in a clever, concise manner.

Name-calling for its own sake is petty desperation, but a clever turn with a message is brilliant.