Shirt Designs Honor Journalists

PPPS (Littleton)—The Pundit Pete Press Service is expanding our media empire to include the creation and marketing of t-shirt designs.

Our first shirt design commemorates our journalism colleagues and should be available for purchase soon.

Summer of Love Commemorative Tank Top - $38.95

Look for our new Journalistic Yoga shirt for women soon.

UPDATE: As promised, here is the Journalistic Yoga design. This shirt celebrates this popular practice among many journalists.

Journalistic Yoga Tank Top - $42.95 (click to enlarge)

Journalistic Yoga: 
extreme logical contortion combined with peaceful dissociation from reality.

Summer Musings & The Start of a Movement?

PPPS (Littleton)—Some random thoughts and observations which arise on occasion during the summer months, possibly due to heat stroke. We'll add to this post as things arise.

*****************************************************

Those on both the right and the left claim to know either that voter fraud is rampant or nonexistent. But if no one needs an ID to register or to vote, how would we know? I mean, how do you check that sort of thing? Perhaps it's the perfect issue on which to hold a debate, where each side can just make up facts, but there is no way to check them........mmm......I like it.

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At the annual Pundit Pete Press Service Company Picnic in the Park, the assembled journalists and invited Tea Party radicals, perhaps a bit under the influence of the refreshments, and sparked by a lively discussion of the political issues of the day, spontaneously began to chant:

POWER TO THE PETEPLE!

A Prayer for the People of Aurora, Colorado

Lord, we pray for comfort and strength for those families facing unimaginable grief this morning. Surround them with your love and bring angels to their aid.

Lord, we pray for those in the hospital and their families and friends. Bring courage and hope and your healing touch.

Lord, we pray for the medical staff. Guide their hands this day.

Lord, we pray for the police and paramedics and other first responders. Guide them as they do their jobs, help them to protect and assist their community, and protect them from recrimination and trauma.

Lord, strengthen and guide the clergy and members of faith communities. Give them the words to say and direct them as they help others in the Aurora community.

Lord, we pray for healing for the Aurora community. And we stand with them against further evil - the evil that works to divide, to bring greater pain, to destroy hope, to inflame anger in situations like this. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, we say no more to evil. You have no power here, you may not interfere. We stand together with our friends in Aurora, and love shall prevail.

Amen.

President Reveals Truth - Business' Thankful

PPPS (Littleton)—In a surprising speech in Roanoke, VA last Friday President Obama revealed the truth about the nature of business and our economy and why his plans to increase the government are so essential to his reelection economic growth.

The President said, "If you've got a business, you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen." And of course, by somebody else, he meant the government.

At the Pundit Pete Press Service, we agree with the President. It's fair to say that we owe most of our success, and the fact that we have become a nationally known and influential news source, to the Obama administration, and the government programs and pronouncements that are so often the subject of our news stories.


Without the Obama administration, and friends of the administration like Speaker Pelosi, or Harry Reid, just where would we go for source material to operate our business? Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Reid and Mr. Obama supplied the very inspiration that started Pundit Pete in his pundit career.

Perhaps it's no secret that the main stock in trade for PPPS is satire.  And even though at times we just make stuff up, there is still a need for raw material; for inspiration to create and embellish upon existing news. There is no better source to meet our needs than that supplied by government: local, state or national, all are essential to the business of satire.  But until the Obama administration came along to help, there just was not enough material to go around, and certainly not enough to fuel a start up business like PPPS. So here's to you Mr. President. You've hit the nail on the head and we are eternally grateful.

And apparently, we are not alone as a business in benefiting from the work of others, particularly the government.

We interviewed Tea Party activist Citizen Pete and his lovely wife Citizen Caryn about their successful Bridge to Nowhere Tea Party messaging business, and Caryn's new writing and blogging effort, Western Bluebird.

As Citizen Caryn indicated, "Without the worry that woke me in the middle of night last November, the worry about what our government was doing to the citizens, why I would never have received that idea of posting messages on a bridge, not in a million years. And even now, it is government that inspires me to post my Western Bluebird blog."

And Citizen Pete took it even further in his thanks for the government help. "Look if "free" federal money had not been available to our county officials to spend, they would never have decided to build that useless pedestrian bridge we call the Bridge to Nowhere. Then where would we be? Why out in the cold with no place to hang a sign."

Citizen Pete, not one to shy from conversation once engaged, continued "We owe the very existence of our Bridge to Nowhere Tea Party to government assistance: for motivation, for inspiration in creating messages, and for our national exposure through blogs, talk radio, and through other Tea Party groups and organizations, who are all equally inspired and motivated by the government that helps them. Without government, and especially the current administration, I don't even think we would have a Tea Party, any Tea Party, anywhere." 

At this point, Pete choked up, and with tears streaming down his face, haltingly added,  "I don't know how to say it........I mean.......you just can't put into words how appreciative we are of the help we've gotten." Unable to continue, Pete directed us to this letter to explain how he felt.

Nancy Pelosi Knows Boos

PPPS (Littleton)—Apparently, the speech that GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney gave to the NAACP in Houston has created a stir in the political world, and perhaps a bit of controversy.

Photo Credit: mallyroyal at Daily Kos

During his speech, Romney was booed by the otherwise polite and welcoming NAACP crowd when he mentioned and then criticized President Obama's health care plan, which Romney referred to using the controversial label "Obamacare." Many on both the right and the left initially characterized Romney as courageous for broaching this somewhat sensitive subject and for standing on principle in the face of a less-than-supportive audience.

However, PPPS has learned of another story beneath the story, which paints an entirely different—and somewhat disturbing—picture of the Romney speech and his reference to "Obamacare." In fact, this new information has caused us to question the very character of this man seeking the highest office in the land. This back story was revealed by an honorable and objective politician former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Ms. Pelosi, no stranger to partisan political attacks from those who oppose the idea of women in high office (part of the GOP's  "War on Women"), deftly identified the true motivation behind the Romney speech. 

 “I think it was a calculated move on his part to get booed at the NAACP convention,” Pelosi told Bloomberg Television's Peter Cook.

Ms. Pelosi's comment is both astonishing and disturbing.The idea that a politician, especially a nationally known leader in the party, would stoop so low as to manipulate an unsuspecting crowd into booing or otherwise expressing negative reactions is shocking. The possibility that he would do it for the sole purpose of creating a photo op or for some other political advantage is truly outrageous and a sad commentary on the state of partisan politics in our nation today.

We know readers will want to understand the insight and honesty expressed in Speaker Pelosi's statement, so we thought it best to post a video of Pelosi herself. Our readers can judge for themselves.

Sources and Links: 
Caption This Pic from Romney's NAACP Audience - mallyroyal at Daily Kos
Pelosi: Romney Wanted NAACP to Boo Him - LA Times 
Romney speaks from the heart at NAACP Convention, Left Wing goes ballistic - Stacey on the Right

Trackback: On Mitt Romney and the NAACP - A Citizen Speaks

Correction: Apparently we posted the wrong video of Speaker Pelosi. We've asked our technician, Projectionist Pete to correct that. 

Newsflash Update: Romney now accused of purposely manipulating NAACP audience to elicit a standing ovation at end of his speech, which he was invited to give, for the purpose of influencing independent voters.

On Mitt Romney and the NAACP - A Citizen Speaks

PPPS (Littleton)—Our Senior Minority & Diversity Issues Edtior, Pigment-Challenged Pete, received this comment regarding GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney's speech before the NAACP in Houston.

Dear Editor -

I recently watched Mitt Romney's speech to the NAACP.

As Mitt Romney spoke, his true character was revealed, and for the audience, the color of his skin and his party affiliation faded to the background.

Barrack Obama, who embraces the race card but has abandoned the black community with his economic policies, chose not to speak, and thus revealed much about his character, as well.

Perhaps one day, the NAACP will drop the race card, and embrace a policy more like this:

 

I don't hold out quite as much hope for Mr. Obama, or his chief spokesman on all things colored, Mr. Holder.......but miracles can happen.

—Citizen Pete


Trackback: In Honor of Dr. King
Updates & Other Links: Why Romney's NAACP speech matters - Joseph Curl, Washington Times

Our Response to Today's Supreme Court Ruling on Obamacare

PPPS (Littleton)

What others are saying.
We found this post by Western Bluebird to give an interesting perspective.
And Stacy on the Right may just have gotten it right.

Quote of the Week Honors President Obama

PPPS (Littleton)—For this week's quote, in light of the two examples of the use of responsible executive power on display this past week,we decided to look to history and draw upon a famous quote from another president of African descent.

To put the quote in context, we remind our readers of our own President's skillful use of executive authority and compassionate outreach last Friday to solve a pressing problem, too long neglected by our "Do Nothing" Congress. With one stroke of his pen press conference, despite an unwelcome interruption, President Obama moved to make dreams come true for an oppressed and suppressed minority of American citizens residents.

Then, this week, the President invoked Executive Privilege to protect our national security interests, secure the separation of powers so fundamental to our Constitution, and as a courageous stand against voter suppression efforts promoted by partisan GOP antagonists.

For these courageous acts, we honor President Obama with this quote:

"It may be necessary to use methods other than constitutional ones."

Robert Mugabe, President (for life) of Zimbabwe

Executive Privilege - When Is It Appropriate?

PPPS (Washington)—The Pundit Pete Press Service is often reticent to give an opinion on weighty legal matters such as when it may be appropriate for the President to claim Executive Privilege in a dispute with Congress, without first consulting our staff attorney, Pleader Pete.

However, given the extraordinary events of the past two days, and with Pleader Pete on vacation, we decided to circumvent our normal protocol and offer up a legal opinion.

On the issue of Executive Privilege in the Fast and Furious controversy, we clearly side with President Obama, based upon the arguments he so eloquently articulated back in 2007. And rather than paraphrasing those reasons second hand, we decided to share them, straight from the horse's mouth, so-to-speak.

Thanks Wisconsin Message Survives Wind - Tea Party Pleased

Citizen Pete photo 2012 (click to enlarge)

PPPS (Littleton)—In our previous post we told you about a plan by the Bridge to Nowhere Tea Party to post a message on a bridge near here in South Jefferson County, Colorado.

Well apparently they pulled it off, despite some sub-bridge grade duct tape and challenging wind conditions, not to mention 90+ degree heat.

We sent Progressive Pete to report on the protest, but apparently the heat side-tracked him at a local watering hole, where he forgot his camera. So we once again had to rely on a photograph supplied by Citizen Pete, one of the organizers of the event.

As Citizen Pete noted, "The courage of Governor Walker, Lt. Gov. Kleefisch, and Tea Party groups in Wisconsin, to resist the power of government sector unions and stand firm, along with the majority of Wisconsin voters who supported them, was truly inspiring."

Pete continued, "I would be remiss if I did not also thank our county officials who approved spending over $3 million to build this otherwise useless pedestrian bridge, just so we could post messages. In fact, that gives me another reason to thank the folks in Wisconsin, after all, they helped pay for our Tea Party billboard." 

Citizen Pete then shared this quote.

"The good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves." — Thomas Jefferson

Tea Party May Still Be Active in Colorado - Thanking Wisconsin

PPPS (Littleton)—Although rumors persist that the Tea Party is dead, we received this press release today from the mysterious Bridge to Nowhere Tea Party. Looks like they may not have expired here in Colorado.

Shining light on what the task ahead is for Colorado voters

Citizens in Jefferson County will respond to the results of the Wisconsin recall election when they assemble peacefully on the pedestrian bridge over Wadsworth near Bowles Avenue in Littleton on Saturday, June 9, 2012, 1–3 P.M. They will suggest a course for Colorado voters.

Littleton, CO—June 9, 2012—Citizens of Jefferson County, Colorado, will gather on the pedestrian bridge at Wadsworth and Bowles—called “The Bridge to Nowhere” by some—this Saturday, March 25, at 1–3 P.M. They will thank Wisconsin and encourage Colorado voters.

Wisconsin voters decided to keep Governor Scott Walker and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefish in office last week to continue the reforms they had begun. Government sector unions organized the recall effort, but were defeated by the People.

“We want to thank the Governor and People of Wisconsin for standing on conservative principles,” said Peter Boddie, organizer of the event, who is also a blogger and Tea Party activist. “They balanced the budget and limited the power of government sector unions, which took a lot of courage. The voters were also courageous in supporting them. Now it’s our turn.”

We are sending Progressive Pete to infiltrate the event and to learn what possible connection there may be between the Tea Party and recent events in Wisconsin.

Rumors of Tea Party Demise Greatly Exaggerated

PPPS (Washington)—Rumors of the demise of the Tea Party movement, apparently, have been greatly exaggerated.

 

Sonny Johnson at the March 24, 2012 Road to Repeal Rally in Washington, DC.

H/T Jim Hoft & Gateway Pundit

Tea Party Group Connection Suspected in Latest Bridge Message

Leslie White photo 27-May-2012

PPPS (Littleton)—Another set of messages appeared briefly on a pedestrian bridge located just west of Littleton, Colorado on Sunday, May 27.

Leslie White photo 27-May-2012

A passerby, who wishes to remain anonymous, emailed these cell phone pics to PPPS.

Sources in the Littleton community and at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, support the theory that this was the work of the Bridge to Nowhere Tea Party, although this time a neatly printed banner was also used.

PPPS is investigating whether another group with better hand writing skills may have joined forces with the local Tea Party group.

Regardless of the source of the messages, they do hint at some displeasure with the job President Obama is doing.

A Bit Of Hard Coal Facts to Compliment Romney's Visit to Craig, Colorado

PPPS (Craig)—We received this little video about Craig, Colorado, that our readers might like to view, in light of Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney's visit to this little known corner of our state to highlight energy issues and the energy development that supports the economy of that region.

Craig - the video


H//T Amy Oliver,  KFKA News Talk, Mothers Against Debt, Colorado Spending Transparency

In Memoriam - Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver

PPPS (Denver)—For Greg Rund, USMC and all of the others who died in the service of our country. Thank you for your sacrifice so that others might live free.

The President Lied, Humor Died - Serious Commentary From Pundit Pete

PPPS (Littleton)—Ok, I’ve had it. It's not funny any more, which is a painful admission for a writer of satire.

The President has gone way over the line this time, and he's done it right in our backyard, in nearby Denver. 

The sheer, dare I say it, audacity of it is appalling. It’s shameful. And all Joe'king aside, the President lied.

There, I said it. So sue me (apologies to Mark Levin).

In Denver on Wednesday, the President Obama gave a campaign speech in which he claimed "Since I've been President, federal spending has risen at the lowest pace in nearly 60 years."

Yes, Mr. President, spending so low that:

• The largest grassroots movement in the history of our nation arose spontaneously because of your spending. 
• Our nation’s credit rating was downgraded for the first time in history, because of your spending. 
• Our national debt has increased by $5 trillion and is now over $16 trillion, because of your spending. 
• Your fellow Democrats are, one by one, loosing their seats because of your spending. 
• The American people walk around depressed because of your spending.

And to put this lie into perspective:

• This was not your everyday, plausible deniability.
• This was not your I may have misspoken and I’m sorry if some stupid people may have been offended by it lie.
• This was not your I inherited it and it’s all Bush’s fault lie (although he also claimed that in his speech).
• This was not your I know you are just a bunch of college students and you’ll still think I’m cool anyway lie. 
• This was not even a, if I shake my finger and speak in manufactured anger at the camera, I might get away with it, depending upon what the definition of what is is lie.

No, this was an in-your-face, I know I’m lying, you know I’m lying, my fellow Democrats all know I’m lying, Pelosi’s face will contort to defend my lying, Joe Biden will probably let slip a joke about my lying, and the press may even suspect I’m lying and will struggle with how not to report it, type of lie.

This was an I don’t care that the country is on the verge of bankruptcy, my reelection is all that matters, and even if this screws up my reelection, I like lying so much I’m going to lie anyway, just for the sheer joy of it, type of lie.

This was a lie that Hugo Chavez would love but Robert Mugabe might be embarrassed to tell. This was a lie that might cause internal turmoil in the soul of Debbie Wasserman Shultz. This was a lie so monumental that David Letterman might tell it as a joke.

But it wasn’t funny.

Background Notes:
The full text of the President's Denver Campaign speech. The big lie (as distinguished from the others) may be found about 3/4 of the way through.  
Fact Check from the Daily Caller 
Barack Obama: the Spending King on Rush Limbaugh 
Obama is a Spendthrift - Investors Business Daily
Update July 12, 2012: The Facts About Budgets - Forbes

Everybody Blog About Brett Kimberlin Day Blogburst

PPPS (Littleton)—In support of our fellow bloggers and free speech, the Pundit Pete Press Service proudly agrees to participate in Everybody Blog About Brett Kimberlin Day. We ask that our readers, and especially fellow bloggers, add this story to their blogs, tweets and other social media either by linking to the PPPS post, or more importantly to some of the authoritative stories herein linked.

In a nut-shell, Brett Kimberlin is a convicted bomber/domestic terrorist and now left-wing activist who retaliates against conservative bloggers, especially those who write about him, by filing frivolous lawsuits and using the internet to harass them (the conservative bloggers) in various ways in an attempt to stifle their speech. Here is a quick summary from The Blaze.

So in order to show solidarity with our conservative brethren, and to support free speech for all (no matter what their political persuasion), we are participating in Everybody Blog About Brett Kimberlin Day. And we ask for your help.

Here is background information from two other sources:

Michelle Malkin (where I first heard about this) and her lead story for today, Free Speech Blogburst - this includes numerous links about the story, the affected conservative bloggers, and the many bloggers participating in the blogburst.

Rosslyn Smith has an interesting article in American Thinker about Kimberlin and the many liberal contributors to his left-wing organization: The Left and Con Men

There are many, many other bloggers participating (refer to Michelle's article for a list).  PPPS is proud to add our name to the list.

Take a stand for free speech.

God bless,
The Staff

Journalistic Yoga for the 24/7 News Cycle

PPPS (Littleton)—In our continuing efforts to keep abreast of trends in the journalism profession, PPPS performed a survey of course offerings at leading journalism schools across the country. We found that the most popular course among journalism students was one which combined concepts from psychology, journalism and eastern religion.

Although the course was variously titled at different institutions, here is a typical course listing example from the esteemed Columbia School of Journalism.

J304 - Journalistic Yoga for the 24/7 News Cycle 

Journalistic Yoga combines extreme logical contortion with peaceful dissociation from reality.

Students will learn how to practice a daily regimen of journalistic yoga as a coping mechanism for creating stories to meet the frantic demands of the 24/7 news cycle. Successful completion of the course counts as 5 credit hours towards both the Traditional Journalism and Opinion Journalism degrees.  

9AM M W F - Pundit Pete Lecture Hall

Prerequisite: J201/Psy214 - Conservative Thought & Other Political Diseases

Editorial Note: As this story was about to be posted, Patriarch Pete popped in and remarked, "Hell, they have a special course in that now? Why back in my day, that was just part of Journalism 101."

Readers Want to Know: Several of our readers have written, or tweeted questions regarding the source and inspiration for Journalistic Yoga. So, we asked our leader, Pundit Pete to share a bit of his thinking process for selecting and writing (making up) a story. Here's what Pete had to say about Journalistic Yoga:

Well, I owe it all to Clive Crook, and his article at the Atlantic web site titled Why I Think Obama Is Losing. Crook, while spot on in his conclusion, takes an amazingly tortuous route to get there, full of hopeful delusion, misplaced reasoning, and a reliance on instinct when his own internal logic fails him. 

In successive steps, Crook first poses common sense, logical reasons for Obama's fall in the polls, then convinces himself (and he hopes, his readers), that the true reasons lie elsewhere, presumably because the true reasons are too painful for a liberal mind to comprehend. Later on in the article, he actually makes a few good points, but the reader is so worn out by then, that those points are unappreciated. 

Ah, but I digress. Here's an example, right where Crook first launches into faux reason number one:

Why do I say this?

It's not because the country is sick of Obama. ........blah blah blah...... my feeling is, the country still wants him to succeed. If voters do reject him in November, for many people it will be with regret.

Hello, Clive, the country is sick of Obama. And that regret you sense; it's coming from many of the people who voted for him. The country doesn't want him to succeed, they fear that he might.

Ah, but I digress. Or should I say, ah, I return? ...... yes, I almost forgot. You all were interested in how the yoga thing came about. Well, OK.....

About half way through Crook's article, wracked with the pain of mental contortions, but blissful in the  peace that comes from denial, BAM - IT CAME TO ME. The last time I felt this way was while doing yoga! 

And from that simple revelation, an entire theory of journalistic thought soon arose, complete with college courses and soon-to-be awards, the first of which will, with much appreciation, be given to Mr. Clive Crook, formerly a distinguished writer at the Atlantic (as others can attest, a Pundit Pete Press Service award is not universally considered a career boost)........and then Mr. Crook can enroll in  .......let's see.......in the Dan Rather Clinic for Recovering Journalists........where, naturally, he will receive Journalistic Yoga Therapy.........and.......

Ah, the mind of Pundit Pete, once engaged, is a force unstoppable, a thing of beauty, n'est-ce pas?

So there you have it, beloved readers, prepared or not, you've entered far into the depths of the mind of Pundit Pete.....where there is no turning back...........no escape.....and (we hope) a paid subscription.......

Unless of course, you engage in a bit of journalistic yoga. That just might be enough to save you!

God bless.

Totally Unrelated Update Which We Thought We Would Share Anyway - June 5, 2012:
Best Graduation Speech Ever at Columbia School of Journalism

Update - June 6, 2012

Totally Related TRUE Story 

When our leader, Pundit Pete, just makes up stories like this, we figure OK, let him run with it, figuring, what harm could it do?, and, there's no possible connection to the real world anyway, and our readers (most of them anyway) will probably figure it out, and move on to important stuff.

BUT, TRUTH IS INDEED STRANGER THAN FICTION, thanks to our friends in India. They offer an actual Journalistic Yoga degree! And there's still a few days left to sign up. We are planning on enrolling several of the PPPS staff.

This is why the Indians are set to ace out China and the U.S. for the title of new world superpower.

PPPS Story Causes International Rift - Putin Pulls Out of G-8

PPPS (Moscow)—Breaking from FOX News, confirmed by PPPS Moscow office.

Putin pouts over slogan slight.

After reading the disappointing news about how close his suggested slogan came to being selected by the Obama campaign, Russian President Vladimir Putin has apparently reacted in anger, pulling out of the upcoming G-8 Summit at Camp David and his scheduled meeting with President Obama next week.

This story was first broken by FOX News, and has now been confirmed, and details have been added, by PPPS Moscow Correspondent, Pyotr "the Great" Pete.

In a story published by PPPS on Tuesday, May 8 about the Obama Campaign slogan selection process, it was revealed that this slogan idea, FORWARD for FLEXIBILITY, offered in a gesture of international good will by the newly elected President of Russia, was given top consideration, but ultimately rejected in favor of the more simplified campaign slogan, FORWARD. 

Pyotr Pete's sources inside the Kremlin reported that Putin was furious after reading the PPPS article, and wanted to take more drastic measures, but that cooler heads, including former President Mevedev, prevailed, convincing Putin to send a symbolic message.

Our Chief White House Correspondent, Political Beat Pete, indicates that staff in the White House, the State Department and in the Obama campaign, have been scrambling to counter today's bad news. Sources indicate that the President has dispatched Chief Campaign Spokesman, David Axelrod to Moscow, instead of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, to try and iron out the problem.

Mr. Axelrod is reported to be authorized to offer up a future Obama campaign stop in Moscow and a private dinner with George Clooney as compensation for Putin changing his mind about the G-8 Summit. However, rumors circulating that the DNC might also be offering a change in the location of Democratic National Convention from Charlotte to a more receptive venue in Moscow or St. Petersburg, could not be confirmed.

We will provide updates as this story unfolds.

Background Links:
Inside the Obama Campaign Slogan Selection Process
Putin Opts Out of G-8 Summit

Inside the Obama Campaign Slogan Selection Process

Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP photo

PPPS (Chicago)—President Obama officially launched his campaign for reelection last Saturday with a kickoff rally in Ohio and with the release of a new, bold fresh campaign slogan. 

We asked our Obama campaign reporter, Protester Pete, recently reassigned from covering the now-defunct Occupy Movement, to provide us with insight into the  presidential campaign slogan selection process.

Celebrating a mission accomplished in Chicago.

Pete spent the weeks prior to the official campaign launch embedded among the predominately young, pigment-challenged and non-Native American staff at the Obama Campaign Headquarters in Chicago. That's Pete in the lower right of this photo taken at the historic moment when the President appeared on screen to announce the winning slogan.

The Chicago celebration was the culmination of a grueling five-week marathon of brain storming sessions, staff retreats,  slogan chanting practices, voter focus group testings, and late night meetings involving visiting campaign advisers and interns. The campaign also solicited slogan ideas from outside supporters as part of an appeal for a $3 campaign donation sent out by Michelle Obama. The campaign  literally received tens of suggestions from this appeal and, after spell checking, these were added to the list of staff-generated ideas.

The campaign staff came up with an ingenious method for organizing and narrowing the list of potential slogans. After an initial paring down of the dozens of slogan ideas to the 64 most promising, the slogans were ranked and written on a giant NCAA-style bracket posted in the campaign conference room. At the end of each week the President would make his selections to cut the number of slogans in half using a special cell-phone app which could be accessed from anywhere: aboard Air Force One; on the golf course; or in the midst of a fundraising dinner.

With just a few days before the official campaign kickoff, and with pressure mounting to meet poster and sign printing deadlines, only four slogans remained. Protester Pete was able to obtain copies of the ready-to-be-printed versions of the "Final Four" slogans, each of which provides a unique perspective on the various themes considered for the national campaign.

Slogan submitted by Rush Limbaugh

The first of the final four slogans was one originally submitted by radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. Through focus group testing, it was determined that this slogan appealed to the conservatives, independents and so-called Reagan Democrats who regularly tune in to Limbaugh's show and who may form a critical voting block in a number of swing states. In the end, the President rejected this slogan because he would need to credit Limbaugh at the same time he will  be trying to shut down Limbaugh's show through an FCC enforcement action and pressure on advertisers.

Slogan submitted by Vladimir Putin

The second slogan was one suggested by the now, newly elected President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, who submitted it, along with a modest donation, on the campaign web site. The genius in this slogan is that it simultaneously reminds voters from other nations of the President's international reputation for nimbleness in negotiation, while also demonstrating to U.S. voters the President's willingness to work towards bi-partisan compromise with Congress soon after he is reelected. Unfortunately, this slogan did not rate very high in the trust category among the majority of focus group participants.

Slogan submitted by Citizen Pete

David Axelrod and Citizen Pete

The ultimate runner-up to the winning slogan was one submitted by an active supporter, Citizen Pete, who apparently also has a knack for messaging, including one recent message sent to the House Minority Leader.  In the end, none of the focus groups, or a majority of the campaign staff, deemed this slogan to be credible, despite the fact that it mirrors some of the stated goals of the administration posted on the White House web site. Rumor has it that this slogan was vigorously promoted by senior Campaign spokesman, David Axelrod. Our research indicates that Mr. Axelrod may be a close friend of Citizen Pete.

The final and winning slogan is actually a condensed version of the other three, boiled down to a single, forceful, actionable word - FORWARD.

The official Obama Reelection Campaign slogan.

Besides the obvious simplicity, this slogan conveys both movement and direction. And, despite focus group feedback indicating that the slogan held no real meaning and was confusing, the President astutely concluded that confusion was it's greatest asset, leaving him to weave in whatever meaning he chooses to convey to a particular audience.

The slogan can also be adapted into a chant for rallies, and is easily pronounced by temporary, undocumented campaign workers hired for street events and voter registration campaigns.

Well done Mr. President. We salute you!


UPDATE 10-May-2012: 
PPPS STORY CAUSES INTERNATIONAL RIFT  (h/t FOX News)

After reading the disappointing news about how close his suggested slogan came to being selected by the Obama campaign, Russian President Vladimir Putin has apparently reacted in anger, pulling out of the upcoming G-8 Summit at Camp David and his scheduled meeting with President Obama next week. More later......See related story here.

UPDATE 11-May-2012 - Forward Defined - American Thinker