Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Parties unveil campaign slogans, voters need one too

Aug 29, 2019 | 5:46 AM

KAMLOOPS — “MOVING FORWARD” is, without doubt, the most hackneyed phrase in politics. Every politician utters it at least a dozen times a day.

It should be no surprise, then, that politicians can think of nothing more original to put in their campaign slogans as we gird for the Oct. 21 federal election.

Justin Trudeau and his Liberals are asking us to “Choose Forward.” As opposed, obviously, to choosing backward with the other guys. The other guys, the Conservatives, are telling us we can “get ahead” with them.

The NDP are expected to announce their slogan next week but it’s not going to be the one they used in 2015 — “Ready for Change.” Going from Official Opposition to a dismal third wasn’t the kind of change they’d hoped for. (Speaking of which, the Liberals promoted “Real Change (Now)” last time.”)

Two and Out

PETERS: You know what? Maybe the U.S. annexing Canada isn't such a bad idea after all

Jan 10, 2025

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Premier Eby is still out of touch with the people

Jan 09, 2025

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Secwepemcul'ew

Jan 06, 2025

The Greens, who went with “A Canada That Works. Together” in 2015 are now employing a clever spinoff from the “forward” theme with “Not Right. Not Left. Forward Together.”

There’s nothing left in campaign slogans that somebody else hasn’t already used. Joe Clark’s version in 1979 was “Give the future a chance,” and he won a minority government with it.

The secret to campaign slogans isn’t to dazzle voters. No, the trick is to make sure you don’t come up with a really bad one that turns people off.

Barack Obama knew this in 2012. He kept it simple: “Forward.” Can’t go wrong with that.

In 2005, the Labour Party in the U.K. advised, “Forward, Not Back.”

I think the voters should have a slogan of their own. How about borrowing the one the U.K. Conservatives used that same year — “Are you thinking what we’re thinking?”

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.