A Small Quibble about a phrase in Obama's acceptance speech

Wouldn't the phrase "America, we are better than these last 8 years..." be better if it were something like "America, we can do better than these last 8 years." or maybe "America, we deserve better than we have gotten these last 8 years." The small quibble is just about separating criticism of Bush, McCain, and the repugnants from criticism of America. After all America is larger than it's broken, dysfunctional republican dominated government. Again, it's just a small quibble not a deep criticism. But you know the repugnants and how good they are at taking words and twisting them. They will try to make this out to some sort of trashing of America as such. Of course it's silly.

while President.

we need some people who voted for shrub to vote for Obama.... this speaks directly to them

I don't see a problem. It's succinct and true.

I would prefer something like, "America, we deserve more from our leaders."

sounds a lot better and less criticism...my 2cents....;)

spun and misconstrued. And someone out there will fall for the spin, and start babbling once again about how the Obamas are "anti-American" or some such bullshit. Luckily, this person and his/her family and friends aren't likely Obama voters anyway.

"we can do better" - oh, it was just all a mistake, change out the person, things will be all better until the next bad apple comes along.

"we deserve better" - entitled much?

"we are better" - bet your ass we are better than the last 8 years and it's taken a hell of a lot of lying, cheating and stealing to drag America low. Now, get the hell out of the way while we elect someone who understands the promise and greatness that is America that transcends any one of us.

I think "we can do better" actually praises our underlying goodness. It makes we the people sort of immune to corruption by the misguided government that has disappointed and betrayed us. American can be "disappointed and betrayed" without itself being "dragged low."

But it's not a huge deal. I just think one should separate criticism of Bush and McCain from criticism of America as such. THe criticism of Bush and McCain is that THEY are not good enough for us. (Remember Jimmy Carter's formulation -- American's deserve a government that is as good as they are.