Yours truly, (1/8/08):

The interesting thing is that each time a candidate says the word “change,” it is a barely indirect damnation of the current President. As such, I really wonder what the people responsible for translating English into whatever Bush’s native language is tell him is going on with the race to replace him.

Well, it certainly didn’t take long for El Presidente to address his would-be successors’ choice of wording:

Q: Do you see this message of change as anything other than a rejection of your presidency?

BUSH: No, listen. If you’re running for office, you can’t run for office and not say ‘I am an agent of change.’ It’s just American politics. If I were running for office at this point, I’d be saying, ‘Vote for me. I’m gonna be an agent of change.’

I’m really surprised that irony remained alive and well so deep into the Bush folly. After all, how many times has someone expressed shock that The Onion has been able to stay relevant? I think this interview just aired out irony for good.

–

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Pappy O’Daniel: Languishing! Goddamn campaign is languishing! We need a shot inna arm! Hear me, boys? Inna goddamn ARM! Election held tomorra, that sonofabitch Stokes would win it in a walk!

Junior: Well he’s the reform candidate, Daddy.

[Pappy narrows his eyes at him, wondering what he's getting at.]

Pappy O’Daniel: …Yeah?

Junior: Well people like that reform. Maybe we should get us some.

[Pappy whips off his hat and slaps at Junior with it.]

Pappy O’Daniel: I’ll reform you, you soft-headed sonofabitch! How we gonna run reform when we’re the damn incumbent!