Santorum Surprised His Campaign Slogan May Come From…Communist Poet
- Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:20am by
Scott Baker
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Former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum announced Wednesday that he was forming an exploratory committee for a possible presidential run. His slogan was, and remains on his website, “Fighting to make America America again.”
But it might not be for long. Santorum, a well-known conservative, backed away from the phrase — saying he had “nothing to do” with it — after being told it derives from a poem by Langston Hughes.
Hughes, who died in 1967, was an African American Communist who advocated for civil rights and social justice. A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes may well have been gay; some of his poems were homoerotic and others defended gay rights.
Think Progress asked Santorum about the slogan:
More from Think Progress:
Santorum at first distanced himself from it, claiming “I had nothing to do with that.” Asked for a clarification, the former senator laughed and added that his campaign staff “didn’t inform” him about the origin of the phrase. However, Santorum said he has read “some” poems by Hughes:
FANG: Today, you unveiled your new campaign slogan, “Fighting to make America America again.” But was it intentional that this line was borrowed from the pro-union poem by the gay poet Langston Hughes?
SANTORUM: No, because I had nothing to do with that so–
FANG: Oh, alright thanks. Wait did you have a clarification there? Was it just a coincidence?
SANTORUM: I didn’t know that. The folks who worked on that slogan for me didn’t inform me that that’s where it came from, if in fact it came from that.
FANG: Do you like Langston Hughes? Is he a favorite poet?
SANTORUM: I’ve read some of his poems. I’m not a big poetry guy so I can’t say I have a favorite poet, sorry.
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Comments (154)
drattastic
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:51amBig deal,who friggen cares.
Report Post »Vickie Dhaene
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:50amIf he in not even in charge of his own campaign slogan being printed and representing him, is not taking responsibility of that simple thing how can he run a Government. It sickens me no one takes responsibility of themselves anymore.
Report Post »ensemble
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:44amHughes wrote “Let America be America again”. The slogan reads “Fighting to make America America again.” Those are not the same sentiments. The Hughes line suggests allowance while the slogan suggests active participation. For Santorum to cave on this is ridiculous. He should have stood by the slogan. The accusation by the questioner was deceptive. The lines are not the same.
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:44amLook, I like Rick; he seems to be a rock-rib conservative. But he has absolutely ZERO chance of being nominated. Maybe he could be picked for the VP slot but that would be a long shot too. Trump’s “comb-over” is pretty bad, but Rick’s “pelt” HAS TO GO!
Report Post »ED4237
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:39amThey will now change the stupid slogan because thats to simple. We all want America to be the way it was before government and we the people allowed the government into our lives the way that they are now.
Report Post »bigdaddybernie
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:33amWe all want America to be America again,the Commies just have a different idea of what America was!
Report Post »ensemble
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:25amBob Hope was told to change costumes for a USO skit while preforming for the troops in Vietnam. Obviously Obama stole Hope and Change from a conservative comedian. Scandalous.
Report Post »Its Gonna Getcha
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:22amSo what? It’s just a slogan. Oversee the next evolution and move on.
Report Post »quicker
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:06amYou got to forgive Dawg,he has`nt had his kibbles and bits yet.Turned out in the yard to watch him chase his nub of a tail.Flopped over on his side then said he might now make sense
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:04amTwo words – Background Checks. A single progressive working within his election team could sabotage his entire campaign.
Report Post »Phil E. Stine
Posted on April 18, 2011 at 12:09amAnd be considered a patriot as far as I’m concerned. A progressive sabotages a progressive…now thats poetry.
Rick Santorum is no conservative, and he has the IQ of a squirrel.
Report Post »dorcaslynn
Posted on April 18, 2011 at 12:46pmI agree. But isn’t it silly that a news reporter will find a reference to a phrase, deem it written by a gay poet, (my internet search says that it is thought the poet might have been gay), and then use it to bring out peoples immediate reactions to a conservative using a “gay” slogan. The reporter, in my opinion, was assuming that the question would be controversial and set the conservative in a bad light. Perceptions are important. Some people might say, “Why would you use a ”gay ” poet, isn’t a straight poet good enough for you?” They miss the whole point. Anybody could say, “Fighting to make America America again.” Why is it that someone who was an advocate for civil rights and social justice, as this poet was reported to be, should be considered as an adversary of a conservative anyway? Most people that I know are for these ideas, but different people have different views as to how they should be implemented. I think Mr. Santorum gave a very smart answer when he said that if it indeed had come from the poet, he was not aware of it.
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:57amSlogan? What, am I voting for a damned bumper sticker? I don’t care what slogan you have. Slogans are for the lazy and feeble minded to have something to hang a brain cell on.
Report Post »People, don’t even let them know what criteria you use to consider a candidate. Let them be who they are and exposed themselves as worthy for the Presidency or not.
UpstateNYConservative
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:08amAfter that post, the thread should be closed. You said it all!
Report Post »MEESHEL
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:33amNicely said.
Report Post »drago
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:55amDoes’nt matter what slogan he runs on, he wont get my vote, nor will any career politician.
Report Post »Joaquin
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:53amDear Fiends,
Do you know the story of “ALI OBAMA and his 103 thieves”?
“Once upon a time” the adventure tale of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” is a fictional character from medieval Arabic literature.
Now, this story of “ALI OBAMA and his 103 thieves” is a true story, which will, affect your life, your freedom, and your property. Therefore: you should learn this chapter one; and proceed accordingly.
Petitioner, Joaquin DeMoreta-Folch says as follows:
On 04/15/11 at 9:50 AM in the Office of Congresswoman, Honorable Michele Bachmann; and in the Office of Congressman Honorable John Boehner; was filed the Impeach Accusation PROCEEDINGS (not a draft) for High crimes: 1st Degree Felony and Misdemeanors (larceny charges admitted by our President Barack Hussein Obama when he not denied these charges)
http://www.patriotactionnetwork.com/forum/topics/041511-filed-impeach
Please pray for Michele Bachmann and John Boehner, please encourage and support them, let them know, that they are not alone standing for the TRUTH; they will receive from our Lord, all the help that they may need, to stand for The TRUTH to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
What we will do with the graces received from God?
Only three things:
1. To stand hot defending THE TRUTH.
2. To stand cold against THE TRUTH.
3. To stand lukewarm for neither cold nor hot.
To the lukewarm, (Revelations 3. 15-22) our God says: “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot.(AM) Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17(AN) For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor,(AO) blind, and naked. 18I counsel you(AP) to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and(AQ) white garments so that you may clothe yourself and(AR) the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes,(AS) so that you may see. 19(AT) Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door and(AU) knock.(AV) If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,(AW) I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21(AX) The one who conquers,(AY) I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as(AZ) I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22(BA) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Please Proceed accordingly.
Best wishes,
Joaquin
Report Post »HippoNips
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:50amCivil rights and social justice are opposing factors . You can’t promote both
Report Post »Shane the Golden
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:49amThe old adage, “Even a blind pig finds an acorn now and them” (paraphrased) would have been my response. Use it if it fits what you are doing, don’t act like its a crime.
Report Post »sooner12
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:49amI think that the slogan was just a coincidence and was not meant to convey support for any gay or social justice agenda. However, Santorum should have known what his slogan was and claiming ignorance of that fact was a BIG mistake.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:45amtime for Rick to get his act straight, ditch the first slogan and come out with something with STRENGTH. like, ”PUTTING AMERICANS FIRST!!” .
Report Post »Phil E. Stine
Posted on April 18, 2011 at 12:05amIf Rick was worried about putting Americans first, he would just disappear into obscurity. I am a conservative, and he is NOTHING like me.
Report Post »Oraclevoiceofreason
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:43amironically why would it bother anyone ( except conservative America loving folks) that the slogan had originated from a communist sympathizer… seems like the “in” thing to be right now ( a commie). He actually should have defended the slogan and denounced the poet instead of acting dumb about it. What if he had taken a position of strength instead of weakness…and who the heck is Langston ? Does anyone really read poetry except English majors, dope smoking folk singers and beatniks :)
Report Post »WillyGoode
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:42amTrip,trip,trip…stumble,stumble…kinda like a horse breaking stride coming out of the gate…OOPS.
Report Post »Dahart
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:40amDoesn’t matter to me…..won’t vote for him anyways! He strikes me as just another“ Talking Head”
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 4:55pmThe choice is, John McCain or Rick Santorum………I agree with the talking head part,but he is way more conservative than McCain.
Report Post »AllAmericanG
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:36amI think the slogan is pretty generic sounding. The verse may be part of a poem by Langston Hughes but I am sure that wasn’t the only time those words were ever uttered.
Besides, does Think Progress have a problem with gay poets? How hateful of them.
Report Post »Dandylyon
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:34amIf the guy says he has nothing to do with a slogan that depicks his ideals for his country then he is either a lier or an idiot so I guess he qualifies for the presidency.
Report Post »davuf
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:45amAgreed, he could have at least come up with a better response than to disavow knowledge. Maybe just something like “I thought it was a good slogan because that’s what we intend to do – I had no idea it had another origin.”
Report Post »sleazyhippo
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:59am“Fighting to make America America again, please donate”
He will study the possibility of running as long as people give him money, period. It is a no lose situation for him, unless he has no money. Upside, is – he does create Jobs with some of the money. That’s good!
Report Post »AmeriCat
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 4:12pmAgree, Santorum is indeed qualified.
Obama/Axelrod actually STOLE other people’s words from speeches,
songs, paid advertisements, even ideas from Nazi Germany…
and gave no attributions for their plagiarisms.
Report Post »Where is the media covering this?
That’s more important than this silly thing.
mwhaley
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:28amLook at me in the eye.
Report Post »dawg of gawd
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:27amMmmm, how unfortunately frothy.
Report Post »Berbel73
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:47amYeah we’re all unfortunate…. It’s unfortunate that I get a headache every time that I see your idiotic screen name in one of these posts. It’s unfortunate that there are some people living in the U.S. that have been blinded from the truth by your progressive lies. It’s also unfortunate FOR YOU that Glenn has a platform to expose those lies.
Report Post »sleazyhippo
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:52amHe is a trend setter! We need to remember that before “refudiate” was added to the dictionary, there was; “santorum.” And if Newt can take credit for the current elected President’s “Winning The Future” (as Sarah claims, WTF?, then why can’t Rick adapt the poetic irony of Langston Hughes (who knew a good santorum when he came upon one) into his bosom of bosoms – and cleave the buttresses of the overlords!
Report Post »Trestin Meacham
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:53amYour image is going to give me nightmares.
Report Post »MEESHEL
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:14amLOL! Doggie was typing fast and furious there huh. Just couldn’t wait to get his dark and ugly biggoted point of view across… I wonder if he even took a breath while yelling through his keyboard! Fail.
Report Post »Berbel73
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:31amOnly in your progressive fantasy land is Glenn irrelevant, racist, or an anti-Semite. You may believe your own lies but those of us with an ounce of common sense and integrity see through your BS. If Glenn wasn‘t a threat to your progressive agenda you wouldn’t spend so much time and effort slandering him. You’re terrified of the truth being spread, and your desperation is palpable!
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 12:38pm@dopeydawg
Report Post »Hey it’s me again, now go away….shoo!
Before I take more of your mental hide.
Robert-CA
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 1:23pm@ DAWG OF GAWD
That‘s why after testing 67 men The Maury Show couldn’t track down your real father . You’re not 100% human .
Report Post »But keep fighting DAWG OF GAWD never give up The Maury Show will be always there for you .
Koolaiders
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 2:25pm@BERBEL73
Didnt you get the recent memo? Beck was fired from Fox and will be departing to his new media home called Obscurity.
Fox finally came to its senses. Hannity is next.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 2:45pm@ KOOLAIDERS
Didnt you get the recent memo ?
Report Post »This is GLENN BECK’s website .
338lapua
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 4:57pmNotorious D.O.G.
Report Post »Are you trying to say something? All I hear is “spew spew spew”
Content is everything!
walkwithme1966
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:26amPersonally I believe that it is a rather stupid slogan – he would be better serviced by coming up with something better anyway! http://maboulette.wordpress.com
Report Post »joe conservative
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:28amIt’s not like it was “workers of the world unite” or anything like that. Seems like a pretty staright forward slogan to me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIMRNUGXxII
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:37amThe left hijacks everything and uses it for their beliefs…I think in this case we can do the same.
I want to fight to make AMERICA a Great Nation again!!! WE the PEOPLE need to WIN this war.
Report Post »sleazyhippo
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:44amLangston Hughes was more of an American hero in his life than former Senator Santorum has shown himself to be. Hopefully Mr. Santourm is becoming a thoughtful American now.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:58amSimple solution for slogans:
“American Restoration underway – Let’s get it going faster!”
Report Post »“America – We work for YOU!”
“America – The Brave, The Beautiful, The Free – Lets keep going!”
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 10:59amOr he could also do these slogans:
“Master Yoda, about that sign you asked me to print up (ulp), there is a small problem, from a …uh…certain point of view…kitchen duty for life…”
Report Post »MEESHEL
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:05amI like the sentiment, but I agree he needs a better slogan. I hope Allen West runs, but if not Rick Santorum would be a great candidate. If you don’t know him yet, you will.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:08am@Grandmaof5, Showtime, SissyKatz (when you read this)
This guy has a campaign staffer who needs improvement on his or her research before putting it into print. Kind of like Obama and him not reading or understanding the constitution (the staffer comparison is the reference)
Also, I have a new work on my gallery, her name is JOY, and she can be reached by clicking on my screen name above. I hope you like her, she is just something new I am working with, to get some ideas for the future ones of the spanish dancer.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:11amPledge of Allegiance: penned by a Commie
“First they came…”: penned by a Commie
American Dream: penned by a Commie
===========
Be careful what you quote…
Report Post »Cymry
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:16amLevel-headed conservatives are not exempt from making mistakes…….just don’t check the facts and you usually screw up. Take the non-eligibility of barry soetoro to hold office, a lot of good conservatives haven’t checked their facts. Or, if they have checked their facts then we have something else on our hands. Remember, the road to hell is paved with good intention. Trump has the goods on soetoro and he will perform the metaphorical death by a thousand cuts on him.
Report Post »Thatsitivehadenough
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:29amPersonally, I’d much rather we stole something FROM the communists than the other way around. And besides, isn’t it what we all want to do?
Report Post »lcam67
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:41amevery time i hear hope and change, i vomit in my mou….. uh oh have to go !!!!!
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 11:44amIt was an honest mistake, I never would‘ve known because I don’t know anything about Langston Hughes. Doesn’t surprise me, though, that the left picked up on it right away!
Report Post »Hawt'n'secksie
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 12:15pmLangston Hughes, the gay communist poet, is not dead. He just assumed the identity “Jesse Jackson.” Someone needs to do a little more research.
Report Post »missionarydad
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 12:33pmHe is not electable anyway, he couldn’t even win his Senate seat back in Pennsylvania and yet he expects to win the Presidency, give me a break. Romney/Cain 2012, they both are competent business leaders and problem solvers, and could do what it takes to stop an economic collapse and make us energy independent two very big problems and major issues.
Report Post »http://saywhatyoureallymean.blogspot.com
BetterDays
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 12:36pmWas it a slip up, or did the staffer let the commie out of the bag so to speak?
How about this slogan Santorum:
A RINO for Amerika………….or
A chicken in every hovel”…………..or
Santorum for Cesar”.”………………..guess I’m nit to hep in you Rick, could be I used to live in Westren Pennsylvania and know your as useful as a bag of lint.
Now if we were to be so blessed to get this ticket Cain/ Christi 2012
Report Post »Their slogan could be “Honor in the Republic”
Or, “integrity’s not for sale”
Or……” Herman and Chris, because socialism is amiss”
theonefromabove
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 12:40pmI think it is stupid too but really who cares?
http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos
Report Post »Jediusetheforce
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 1:48pmTrump for President!!!!!!
Report Post »leftcoastslut
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 1:50pmperhaps his campaign has been hijacked.. you know those varmits are everywhere
Report Post »jackrorabbit
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 3:22pmWell there will be one less candidate in the mass running for GOP nominee. Macaca all over again.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 3:28pmSNOWLEOPARD here is one
OBAMA up your butt!
Report Post »JJCon
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 3:45pmAt least the LA Times had the decency to include the phrase this slogan is alleged to come from. So that people can read it and decide for themselves if there is any real connection there.
Granted, that portion of the article could have added after the C&P was done to make this article. However, I’m 51% sure that the Blaze has an “edit” feature for their articles and staffers (its hard to tell). The story needs clarified.
Report Post »AmeriCat
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 4:00pmSo What? What is “The Blaze” up to?
Love Glenn, but he has that new staff from Huffington Post,
and also others with interests more slanted toward…
…Gotcha Moments!
I HAVE been watching, and am truly concerned about this site!
Also…keep an eye on their captions…many are misleading….
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 4:29pmPersonally I like the concept of TAKING something from the left, repackaging it, and STICKING it right back in their faces. Isn’t that an Alinsky tactic? Right on Rick!!
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 7:52pmGIVE IT UP SANTORUM…. You sound like what we’re trying to get rid of. IF YOU don’t know what YOUR OWN CAMPAIGN slogan is, dude…what good are you? GET BEHIND SARAH PALIN and ELECT the ONLY LEADER WHO CAN TURN THIS SHIP AROUND…. you are already tap-dancin‘ Ricky and we don’t like it. FOLKS…save your money for a REAL PATRIOT who can bring it home for AMERICA…not the wanna bes. GOOD TRY RICK…no cigar.
Report Post »AWAKENEDAWARE
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 9:08pmI agree. It is a stupid slogan. He shouldn’t even need a slogan, just show a still of his daughter crying when Casey’s retarded tookus stole the election from him here in PA using the homeless and indigent votes from Philly and Pittsburgh. That should motivate anyone to realize that he is the “real deal” and actually CARES ABOUT PEOPLE and America’s prosperity! God bless you Santorum family and good luck in the future!
Report Post »jzs
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 9:43pmI feel compelled to state the obvious. The concept of “America” means different things to different people.
Personally, without reading the author’s writings, I by “American” he meant everyone in America, the average American. You know, those people like us: teachers, firefighters, policemen, people in assembly lines, working in retail, those of us making 40K or 50K a year. Maybe Americans do think we should support the poorest, the disabled, the elderly, the mentally ill who simply don’t have the ability survive or live a dignified life without the support of others. Those people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
Or maybe we should remove support for those people to pay for tax breaks for those whose primary concern is replacing the marble tile in their kitchen. Maybe the elderly should sacrifice medical benefits so that the wealthiest in our country will have more money. That’s a legitimate opinion too.
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