I bet we can do better than "Invest in people, yet be fiscally prudent." (For one thing, it sounds like "Yes, but...")
Suggestions?
I disagree (sort of). "Invest in Americans for America's future"
Too corny?
I would suggest "One Nation, Indivisible"...but it would immediately get him attacked for being anti-pledge-of-allegiance.
I still like "Prescription for Change"
And then there's my new e-mail signature:
"For every generation,
there is a destiny...
For this generation,
the choice must be our own."
-LBJ
Generation Dean
Why is "One nation, indivisible", anti-pledge?
It leaves out "under God" and inserts him in that whole debacle. Better to just leave that one alone unless forced to address it.
What about "liberty and justice for all"--that doesn't seem to beg the question about "under God" as much.
"We can do better" is also good--an old RFK quote (I think) that Dean has used in some speeches.
I would argue that Governor Dean already has another one that is lot more powerful than "Invest in people yet be fiscally prudent", though it's a bit long:
"When those buildings collapsed on 9/11, they had in them people of every ethnicity, every religion, and every sexual orientation. We died together as a country on that day, and we will live together as a country."
(It's on top of his Issue page on "Equal Rights for All Americans")
It strikes me that the Dems could neutralize Bush's pilot moment by actually using it themselves in a TV ad: you list the zero he has done since 9/11 and say, "What is his response? To land on an aircraft carrier."
"One Heart, One Family, One Nation"
The last thing the campaign needs is a gimmick. Bush's presidency is nothing but gimmick. Dean's sincere enthusiasm and optimism will speak for itself during the primaries and the general election. A 'saying' will emerge by virtue of popular recocognition.
I think I've got it.
The perfect campaign slogan for 2004.
Dean: Securing _Our_ Future
at home and abroad
with Our in italics.
and with the second line used only occasionally to reinforce the meaning.
Here's why I like it:
1. The word secure. Can anyone doubt this is a good word for 2004? It conjures up a sense of safety, and is equally meaningful on domestic policy and national security. As in securing our social security; securing our rights; securing our airports; securing our foreign interests.
The thing is, we'd be reclaiming the word. Especially by linking the security of our finances and our health and our education with our overall security. But also, by highlighting safety, as opposed to fear, when it comes to terrorism and foreign policy.
2. the word "our" in italics highlights bush's special interests and tax cuts for the wealthy. Dean is for all of us.
3. Future suggests progress. It is automatically a positive word. It's the only good "progressive" word that isn't partisan or politicized. And it can be used to highlight the steps backwards bush has taken with the deficit, with civil rights and closeted bigotry, with judicial nominees, and again... with our societal safeguards, such as social security. Amazingly, the word future resonates with both young people (who see themselves as the future), and seniors who are trying to plan for their future. Preserving the environment, balancing the budget, covering seniors' prescription needs, and healthcare for everyone are all part of Dean's vision for America's Future, and places to highlight bush's steps in the wrong direction.
Judson -
Slogans are gimmicks as bush uses them. Affirmative access. Compassionate conservatism. They're not gimmicks when they highlight your true goals. They're just another means of communicating a message.
what Dean doesnt need is a campaign slogan - i think "Dean for America" really says enough. But what is needed is a way to soundbite all hius major policy positions. Dean's issues are more nuanced and this is a problem in a major PR sense.
for example - how would you comnbat, using a soundbite, "Dean wants to raise taxes to pay for socialized medicine" ?
If Dean gets Clark as his running mate it could be (and this is popular with some people I know and other bloggers): Dean/Clark
Economic Security/ homeland Security
What Dean should say: "Bush wants to lead a pep rally. I want to lead a nation."
Chris,
Yep, agree with you on the leading a pep rally v. leading a nation comment -- that would make a perfect 10-second sound-byte for TV-land viewers. And only the Good Doctor would have the balls to say that on national TV, too.
Just listened to this idoit on TV. If you think we AMERICANS are so stupid as to listen to HOWARD DEAN. then you are just as stupid as him. Guess what! He will not even get a sniff. GOD BLESS AMERICIA. Think about it Howard. AMERICANS ALL!
Equality, security, prosperity.
I think it's funny Gayle misspelled America (and, interestingly, idiot). But then I enjoy people making my case for me...
Just found this article from the LAT on Dean's LA appearance and some comments on his strategy. Interesting points, including the risks of being the most outspoken. A reasonable risk IMO, since one wouldn't stand out otherwise: It's precisely his "straight-talking image" that has him even with Kerry just now. The greatest risk is not taking one, as they say.
Ben, great article, but the author leaves some major details out almost a in a way to try to show Dean in a negative light. Nowhere does it say that Dean attack policy issues. Nowhere does it saw that Kerry's team does character attacks. Then it tries to make an inuendo that Dean flubbed again with Gedhardt and plans to meeet privately to apologize again.
It borders fair reporting but with a little pot shots in there. Overall a good article that I don't think will hurt Dean unless you want to really try to read into it.
Aziz -
OK after reflection I think I agree with your take.
Regarding your sample soundbite and how to respond-
How about:
"Dean wants to give the tax cut back to the American People."
AND
"We all pay when Americans are uninsured - they still get sick."
Think about having a real leader to guild and lead america!
Some thing america needs very badly and something gw bush lacks leadership! GO HOWARD DEAN A REAL LEADER FOR AMERICA AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA!
AUUUUUUUUUUUGUUGGHHHHH!!!!
heh... a little intense there, John. 
Aziz asked:
"for example - how would you comnbat, using a soundbite, 'Dean wants to raise taxes to pay for socialized medicine' ?"
Invoke FDR, "Health care is a moral issue."
-OR-
"Insure 43 million Americans or give Enron a $250 million tax cut? The choice is yours."