Presidential branding back in the day

Indy.com Staff

October 08, 2008 by Indy.com Staff

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Quick: Name John McCain's campaign slogan.

We'll wait.

OK, how about Barack Obama's? Yes, it's change ..... something.

With daily public opinion polls influencing candidates' messages, it's not surprising that one clear slogan doesn't stand out.

That wasn't true of America's earlier elections, when slogans had permanence, and sometimes went beyond catchy to silly. Some examples: "Even the Great Pumpkin is voting Nixon-Agnew."

"Ike and Dick -- Sure to Click."

"The Grin Will Win." (Printed above a toothy Jimmy Carter, this is just one of several good-ol'-boy slogans that may not have helped his credibility.)

"Phooey on Dewey."

Unofficial, perhaps, but all Harry Truman.

You can see election slogans and trinkets in "Campaigns Through the Centuries," now through Nov. 9 (five days after Election Day) at the President Benjamin Harrison Home.

There's some odd, eye-catching memorabilia, too: House slippers with caricatured faces of Ronald and Nancy Reagan; clay figures created by grade-school students in Little Rock, Ark., depicting Bill Clinton's inaugural parade; and a button featuring Gerald Ford acting like the Fonz.

On exhibit

President Benjamin Harrison Home, 1230 N. Delaware St. Admission: $8 adults; $3 students 5-17, kids 4 and under free, (317) 631-1888 or presidentbenjaminharrison.org.

- By Cindy Dashnaw / Indy.com correspondent

Forum: Talk

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presidents, slogans, presidential race

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