by Is Nicholas Sarkozy ripping off our beloved Obama brand?
At first glance, “yes.”
On second thought, “no.”
Loyal Atlantic reader Edward Goldstick sent me a note suggesting that I read what the posters actually say. As soon as you do so, it becomes evident that they’re not pro-Sarkozy posters at all! They’re an elegant little bit of jujitsu to both mock and pressure Sarkozy by appearing to commit him to positions more progressive/leftist than he in fact holds.
“Produce clean and sustainable energy for Europe,” the one on the upper left says. “Yes we can!” “Make polluters pay,” says the next one down. “Yes we can!”
We love it when the familiar and the exceptional are used to reform the incorrigible and correct bad behavior!
Very clever.
It is, Nicola! Make the connection and then skewer the meaning.
Claim for your cause ……. I wonder how many more people will do that – i fact I wonder if any of our politicians will do it ?
I think it’s a hard thing to do right, Nicola, so I don’t think it will be widespread. You have to be smart to send up someone and almost smarter to comprehend the joke and not misinterpret the artistic intention as being too real.
I don’t think our lot are smart enough!
Heh! I think that’s true of most of the USA, too, Nicola!
I see the original has now found a permanent home in the US National Portrait Gallery.