The seal on display while Barack Obama spoke to Democratic governors in Chicago. (Photo: Alex Brandon/Associated Press) At a discussion with a dozen Democratic governors in Chicago on Friday morning, each of the governors was identified with a small name plate but Senator Barack Obama sat behind a low rostrum to which was attached an official-looking seal no one had seen before.
It is emblazoned with a fierce-looking eagle clutching an olive branch in one claw and arrows in the other and is deliberately reminiscent of the official seal of the president of the United States. Around the top border are the words “Obama for America;” across the bottom is the campaign’s Web address. It also contains the logo of the Obama campaign, variously interpreted as a sunrise or a view down an open road.
Just above the eagle’s head are the words “Vero Possumus,” roughly translated “Yes we can.” Not exactly E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One), the motto on the presidential seal and the dollar bill. Then again, Mr. Obama is not the president.
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Geez.
What a snarky post. Every campaign has logos and decorations. Surely there’s nothing unusual about this one.
— AnnaThat is just fascinating. NYT blog standards are moving upwards and onwards.
— FranWhat is Bush’s eagle holding in its claws?
An oil derrick in one, and an automatic weapon in the other?
— Vero Possumus.That is kind of weird but i could understand how these message gurus are carving out a great image. I just hope they don’t over do it.
Obama’08
— Bee“Then again Mr. Obama is not the president of anything. ”
Are you, like, 12?
— LornaIs this serious? This one has legs, watch and see.
— Hill Supporter now on the FenceNot the president of anyhing … Yet!
— John T in Lubbock, TexasThis was introduced on the “Fight the Smears” website (www.fightthesmears.com). I like the original logo, but this sort of pushes it. And I’m a rabid Obama supporter, FYI.
— Andythis is not news
— Mr.putneyA bit presumptuous isn’t it? Looks to me like Obama has delusions of grandeur! Can’t imagine why the eagle would have arrows since Obama would never think of using force. He’ll just talk the leaders of terrorist supporting countries to death.
— jschmUh oh….
I can see his critics having a field day with this one….
— Mike…………..Durham, NCWhat a class act. Obama is going to make America proud again. Democracy will flourish and the days of big money Washington lobbyists and corrupt politicans will see a new kind of government.
It won’t happen right away, but Obama has legions of Americans who have his back and the power of the Obama e-mail list will be put into action at the local level. Done with all the corrupt politicans who serve their interests instead of the constituency who elected them.
I’m glad this is happening in my lifetime. It’s wonderful when good triumphs over evil. As Tim Russett said “What a country!”
— SharonAustinTXWeird
— Luanne M LaibNothing like jumping the gun eh Obama??? Contrary to what your handlers are telling you, election day is still several months away and unless you decide to change the rules midway, you aint been elected yet.
— Lori“Then again Mr. Obama is not the president of anything.” I sensed a tone there. Why not just say “Then again Obama is not the president”? He is however CEO of Obama for America.
— CarterIt is true it can be used as a shield to fight off Muslim Fundametalists and also if you flip it over it can be used to collect small donations. Obama 08 and Captain America 2016!!!
— Trent DillardThe eagle graphic has actually been a part of Obama’s online branding since the launch of his website barackobama.com. Those of us on slower connections (like the iPhone I’m using now) see it in the blue background of the website as we wait for the main content to load. Of course making it into a seal and putting it front and center is a dramatic change in emphasis, but this is yet another example of how carefully and professionally the campaign’s branding efforts have been managed.
— Andrew MillerExcellent! The real thing is only a couple of months away.
— TundeCriticize it all you want (and I agree, it is silly and overblown), but it did convince the NYT blog-meisters to give some free advertising on an otherwise slow news day.
— SandyAnother Clinton Democrat for John McCain here.
Yes we can?
Oh, no you won’t.
— robertThis is very cool.
I’ve always loved heraldry, and I think it has a place in a modern democratic society. This coat of arms is both classy and modern, and it’s always good to see a little Latin in modern America.
— EstebanVero Possumus!!!
— CarrieHoly EGO! At this point, his narcissism is just laughable.
I hope it “shields” him from the investigations into his background with Tony Rezko….
— FoodforthoughtTrent, :-) :-) :-)
— trudyMan, can’t you people take a joke?
— ellie