It does not matter how clever or capable politicians and their teams are at coming up with a political slogan, they will not gain any traction unless they speak the language of the day, striking a chord and making sweet political music. Below is a list of the some of the greatest and most successful...can you think of any more? Or perhaps a shocker?
“It’s time” - Gough Whitlam 1975
Perhaps the most famous Australian political slogan one of only a select few that Australian's can actually remember. The Liberal government had been in power for 23 years and was wilting under newly installed prime minister Sir William McMahon. It most certainly caught on.
“It’s the economy, stupid” – Bill Clinton 1992
Political consultants conjured up many smart lines but this one, written on a post-it was the phrase that captured a nation's attention and disposed of George H W Bush.
“New deal” - Franklin D. Roosevelt
There was no simpler turn of phrase that caught a nation's collective thoughts and put FDR into the first of his four terms.
“Ask not what your country can do for you…” John F. Kennedy 1960
No slogan has been played, seen or quoted than this one, uttered in the final days of America's innocence.
“Are you better off than you were 4 years ago” - Ronald Reagan 1980
Probably the first quote in the modern era where politicians appealed to businesses and early "aspirationals" by hitting the "hip pocket nerve".
“Keep the bastards honest” – Don Chipp
Perhaps the second most known phrase in Australian political slogan history. It's still used today and in it's time consolidated the beginning of a third force, defying political conventions
“Things can only get better” – Tony Blair
Buckling under 19 years of Thatcherism, Blair's frsh face and attitude created an openess that refreshed and rejuvenated the English. He romped home.
“We will decide who comes into our country” – John Howard 2001
Perhaps at the height's of terrorism in 2001, no slogan was more empowering and comforting from a political leader. Despite a level of cynicism, it was a one-horse race
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