Memo: Don't Admit to Being Political ...

One of the things that I try to drill into the heads of students at campaign seminars is that words matter. For example: "Philosophy" sounds good, while "Ideology" sounds bad. People like "Personal" accounts, but hate "Private" accounts, etc.

Of course, I should add the following disclaimer: If you are running for office, don't tell people that you are intentionally using (or avoiding) certain words -- particularly if the policy you are advocating is highly unpopular. Here's a prime example of what happens when you break that rule ...

Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO): "That's the lesson we learned several years ago. Not that amnesty doesn't work, but that you don't call it amnesty."

"Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet?"