Is there an echo in here?

Published January 12, 2005 5:20PM (EST)

We know the Republicans are good at staying on message, but this is taking it to another level. It's the cut and paste approach to speechwriting:

Tom Ridge yesterday on the Inauguration security preparations:

"Our system of government is rooted in the sovereign principle of democratic authority bestowed by the people. And the people, both the Inauguration participants and city residents, are resolved to go forward with an event that so deeply reflects that ideal."

Tom Ridge in July on security prep for the Democratic convention:

"Our very system of government is rooted in the sovereign principle of democratic authority bestowed by the people. And both convention participants and Bostonians are resolved to go forward with an event that so deeply reflects that ideal."

Thanks to eagle-eyed reader David in Cincinnati, who either has way too much time on his hands for online research or a super-human ability to recall months-old passages from Tom Ridge speeches.


By Geraldine Sealey

Geraldine Sealey is senior news editor at Salon.com.

MORE FROM Geraldine Sealey


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