Yes We Can

by Robison Wells

So, I don't know if you've heard, but there's an election on. I know this blog has a few readers from outside the United States who might not be following the campaign, and I know we have a few Americans who read the blog who are too lazy too care. So, as a public service, let me sum up the campaign thus far: two people are running for president. For more detail, check wikipedia or something.

Anyway, I've been thinking about Barack Obama a lot lately. And no, it's not because of roguish good looks and mesmerizing charm, nor is it because he's the spawn of Satan. (I mean, seriously. Would Satan's spawn be so darned good looking?) No, the reason that I've been thinking about Obama is because his slogan is "Yes, we can", which just so happens to be the second half of Bob the Builder's theme song. (Bob the Builder/Can we fix it?/Bob the Builder/Yes we can!)

It got me thinking: what other beloved children's songs would make good political slogans? So, I had Bertrand, my unpaid intern, do some research for me, and he discovered that it's really easy to convert animated theme songs into political mantras. The reason for this is likely because kids songs are all about happiness and energy, and about how we're all best buddies. So, for example, I wouldn't be surprised to see McCain respond to Obama's Bob the Builder with a little WonderPets (When We Work Together We've Got the Right Stuff!) or Franny's Feet (We'll Have a New Adventure, You and I).

The best slogans, however, come from Jakers (a PBS show about some Scottish sheep, I think):

As a matter of fact, I'd probably would regret it if I didn't add another one from Jakers:

And, while we're at it, here's another for Obama (from Caillou):

And McCain (Spongebob):

And, of course, Mitt Romney, who isn't really a candidate anymore, but he's still totally tubular: