The Reversible Raincoat

Good article from Slate about the cliche of the moment in political speeches: the reversible raincoat, more formally known as antimetabole. This device has produced such gems as "We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us" and "In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."

My take? The device as used in this election is gimmicky and tired-sounding. As the article points out, the candidates today are likely trying to echo other politicians who used the reversible raincoat to create memorable and somewhat more powerful statements (Bill Clinton: "People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power;" JFK: "ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country;" Churchill: "Let us preach what we practice—let us practice what we preach.")

Thanks to the Kate, my favorite fellow English major and crusader against cliches, for the link.