Ten words to replace "liberal" as a GOP slur

"Liberal" isn't the slur it used to be. The Republican Party tried to defeat Democrats in 2008 by painting them as liberals. A prime example is BoulderLiberalMarkUdall.com, which continues to linger online at this writing. But while this tactic has proven effective in recent decades, it didn't work this time...

By Michael Roberts

November 10, 2008

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"Liberal" isn't the slur it used to be.

The Republican Party tried to defeat Democrats in 2008 by painting them as liberals. A prime example is BoulderLiberalMarkUdall.com, which continues to linger online at this writing. But while this tactic has proven effective in recent decades, it didn't work this time around -- a fact acknowledged by numerous experts quizzed in the Denver Post article "'Liberal' Label Loses Political Punch in Wake of GOP Losses." Unfortunately, these interview-subjects didn't come up with any other terms that might prove more effective, and a lot of the usual substitutes, like "socialist," don't show much promise. So here's ten fresh insults to aim at Dems that won't leave that old "liberal" aftertaste:

10. Welfairy. 9. Bin-Lovin'. 8. Tax-adermist. 7. Phlegm-o-crat. 6. Left-over. 5. Porker. 4. Apple Pie Hater. 3. Obamanation. 2. Flag-ellator. 1. Jackass-a-nape. -- Michael Roberts

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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