NYT has a graphic out on selected words used by President Obama in his State of the Union addresses, and by Republican presidential candidates in their debates, television interviews and major speeches since May.
Of note, Ron Paul talks more about budgets and deficits than the other candidates, even though he gets less speaking time!
He is clearly not an interventionist in the economy looking to bestow special privilege to specific industries as he talks the least about oil, coal and energy--and manufacturing.
He mentions war and troops the most. This is, of course, because of his belief that they should be brought home. He mentions government the most because he sees government for the threat it is to our freedoms.
He blows away everyone else when it comes to mentioning freedom and liberty. And the other wrap themselves in patriotism by using the words America and American, but not Ron Paul.
tax, taxation
7
5
3
1
energy, oil,
gas or coal
5
3
1
Mr. Gingrich often mentions Ronald Reagan.
Mr. Paul criticizes “war propaganda” and says
America cannot afford a war with Iran.
Mr. Romney speaks about
repealing the health care law.
Mr. Obama discusses
his health care overhaul.
Mr. Santorum proposes a zero
percent tax rate on manufacturers.
Mr. Gingrich frequently mentions the U.S. unemployment rate.
Mr. Romney defends his
record at Bain, saying
he helped create jobs.
Several interviews about
the federal debt ceiling.
5
3
1
1
7
3
11
9
5
1
1
1
government
3
1
freedom, liberty
1
Reagan
1
Constitution,
unconstitutional
1
Islam, Muslim
5
3
1
war, troops
5
3
1
health care,
Medicare or
Medicaid
1
education
1
immigrant,
immigration
3
1
manufacture,
manufacturing
3
1
business
3
1
unemployed,
unemployment
7
5
3
1
job
Used 5 times per 1,000 words
3
1
budget,
deficit or debt
dream
America,
American
God, faith,
religion, church
Obamacare
Jan.
Sept.
May
Jan.
Sept.
May
Jan.
Sept.
May
Jan.
Sept.
May
2012
2009
Jan.
Sept.
May
Jan.
Sept.
May
Jan.
Sept.
May
Jan.
Sept.
May
2012
2009
RON PAUL
MITT ROMNEY
RICK SANTORUM
NEWT GINGRICH
FREQUENCY OF
WORD USAGE
OBAMA
Ron paul is the only one talking about war
ReplyDeleteOdd, I don't recall every hearing the Grinch use the word "constitution"? Even in last nights debate, he went out of his way to say "Declaration of Independence" instead of referencing the constitution as a founding/guiding document.
ReplyDeleteHow is this surprising? The rest of the canidates are tools. Tools of special interests and entrenched powers.
ReplyDeleteI like how Dr. Paul can garner support without mentioning America every few words. He needn't mention our nationality, because liberty is a concept anyone across the globe could appreciate. I am surprised that the word "economy" wasn't thrown into the mix, though.
ReplyDeleteWhat would be very intereating is to normalize these graphs so they are on a "word use per unit of speaking time" basis.
ReplyDeleteI think this might paint a more accurate picture.
I've always wondered why I never hear other politicians talking about liberty. Not freedom. Liberty. This graph proves my hunch.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the sharp contrast betwe Paul on "war" and Santorum on "Islam"
ReplyDeletePaul got a perfect score on manufacturing!
ReplyDelete