The Royal “We” Is a Nice Touch
Quote: “We will be on the offense, and we will protect the American people by defeating them overseas, so we do not have to face them here at home.” President Bush.
Figure of Speech: bushism (BUSH-ism), mangling syntax in the service of one’s homeland.
Taking a break from fundraising in the Midwest, Bush spoke to a college crowd in Cincinnati. The president assured his audience that he would lead them to defeat overseas and avoid facing them here at home.
The bushism is more subtle than its detractors think; it emphasizes key “value” terms (offense, American people, home) without the distraction of logic.
Snappy Answer: “Thank you for your candor, Mr. President.”
Learn to talk like Bush!
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