I stole that headline from a commenter at Big Head DC, who has two videos posted — one made by Deval Patrick, the current Democratic governor of Massachusetts, from a speech in October of 2006, and the other made by Chebamaâ„¢ on February 16 of this year.
A little too “exact” to be any thing other than what it is — Barack heard the Governor’s speech. Liked it. Borrowed it.
I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. But it is what it is.
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UPDATE (Feb 19)
From Jake Tapper, the ABC News’ Senior National Correspondent:
It should also be noted that in addition to the “Yes We Can” slogan that Obama used in 2004, Patrick used in 2006, and Obama uses today, other language from the two clients of political guru David Axelrod has come from both men’s mouths.
To wit:
Patrick in June 2006, at the Massachusetts Democratic party convention: “I am not asking anybody to take a chance on me. I am asking you to take a chance on your own aspirations.”
Obama one year later, as quoted in USA Today: “I am not asking anyone to take a chance on me. I am asking you to take a chance on your own aspirations.”
Just words?
When does it become a pattern?
I doubt Obama writes his own speeches.
More likely it’s something the two had talked about frequently (they are good friends) and they both incorporated the ideas into their separate campaigns.
Like I said. I don’t think it’s a big deal at all.
What would have shocked and surprised me would have been if Obama said anything original.