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Why Americans Hate Politics

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I have a longstanding theory that every campaign has a secret message, a 1-sentence summary of its offer to voters, for good or ill. These messages lurk beneath the formal slogans. They constitute the reality of the campaign.

Thus John McCain in 2008: "More wars for a Spanish-speaking America."

Thus Barak Obama in 2008: "Vote for me, and you never have to discuss race again."

And in 2012?

The Democratic message is shaping up as: "The Republicans/the Fed/the Europeans wrecked the recovery, and we weren't smart enough or tough enough to stop them. Vote us."

The Republican message: "Obama could not fix the mess we made. Vote us."

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About the Author

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David Frum

David Frum is a contributing editor at Newsweek and The Daily Beast and a CNN contributor. He is the author of eight books, including most recently the e-book WHY ROMNEY LOST and his first novel Patriots, published in April 2012.

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