Campaign rhetoric builds on redundancy, that use of two or more words that say the same thing. Office seekers (and others) use it for emphasis, perhaps thinking they look smart. Or they’re emphasizing a point.
Here are some examples you’ve probably already heard and will most likely hear again before November 5.
“It’s an actual fact.” What other kind could there be? A fake fact? Not according to the definition of fact. An alternative fact? Possibly, if you have additional facts. The thing is in this world of disinformation and lies, it’s difficult to learn the facts in the first place.
“My opponent’s lies are blatantly obvious.” Things that are blatant are already obvious.
“It’s an uphill climb, but I’m confident we will win.” What other type of climb is there except uphill? Unless the speaker knows something about gravity that I don’t?
“I look forward to collaborating together to improve the current status quo from the early beginnings of this administration as we create future plans through general consensus of opinion and proceed forward together.” Yes, I just wrote this last one off the top of my head; and, basically, it adds nothing to the conversation.
Which is what redundancy does. I hope you’ll join together with me to fight it.
Happy Labor Day!
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