‘To the Point’: The promise of change

Are they all saying the same thing or does the same word convey a range of political messages — depending on what an individual voter wants to hear?

Barack Obama has been talking about "change" since the outset of his presidential campaign. After he won the Iowa caucuses, other candidates began using the word so often it’s become a mantra not just for Democrats, but Republicans too. Are they all saying the same thing, or are they using the same word to convey different messages? Does "change" mean hope? Is it the opposite of experience? Does it mean seeing the last of George W. Bush or doing the same things, only better? Do voters want real change or a vague promise they can invest with their own expectations? We talk about the language and substance of politics.

Guests:

– Matthew Littman: former Chief Speechwriter, Joe Biden

– Thomas Hollihan: Professor of Communications, University of Southern California

– Michael Kinsley: Columnist, "Time" magazine

– Robert Samuelson: Contributing Editor, "Newsweek" and the "Washington Post"

– Glenn W. Smith: Senior Fellow, Rockridge Institute