Remember when I'm proven right that you heard it here first, folks: The phrase topping the 2009 "Banished Words List" (published annually by the good folks at Lake Superior State University -- Say "Ya" to da UP!) will be......."A heartbeat away from the presidency"
I am so sick of hearing this phrase, and it's only dominated the political lexicon for the two weeks since Sarah Palin was selected as the GOP Vice Presidential nominee. Look, we all know that John McCain would be the oldest first-term president ever inaugurated, potentially making his viability in office a concern for some voters. But surely the universe can provide an alternative phrase to signify that Governor Palin, were she to become Vice President Palin, would be within arm's reach of the presidency, right? See?! I just did it without even trying! There are lots of ways that pundits could communicate her proximity to the presidency without resorting to the already tired "heartbeat" meme. I wish they'd get on with it.
4 comments:
Here's another way, "He's old and old people die and pursuant to Article II Section 1 of the United States Constitution she would become President if he did." Snappy isn't it?
Spoken like a true attorney, darling.
That whole "arm's reach" thing...is that a tingly arm that's starting to go numb because I am having a heart attack? If it is, then TTS is correct, Article II would come into play.
Gah! OK, so "arm's reach" doesn't work, either, given the (improbable but still unfortunate) cardiac arrest connotations.
Let's go folksy and quaint, then, shall we? How about, "an anteater's snout" from the presidency? I like that. Or, "a toad's hop" from the presidency? Both have infinitely more appeal than the whole "heartbeat" thing, don't ya think?
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