Defining "change"

As the fight for the 2008 Democratic nomination continues, “change” has emerged as a central theme. Sen. Hillary Clinton’s campaign banners read “Ready for Change, Ready to Lead” and she recently put out an ad entitled “Ready for Change.” Sen. Barack Obama’s website refers to a “Countdown to Change” and his campaign is running an ad in Iowa called “Change.”

But for all the talk about “change,” there is a marked distinction between the two candidates where the meaning of that term is concerned. Mr. Obama’s variety is all about changing the system of American politics itself, whereas Mrs. Clinton’s version is simply about changing the name and partisan affiliation of the President.