Every presidential campaign season has its memorable moments. (Remember Bill Clinton and his saxophone?) Well, this year, there were several events and phrases that will live on long after the election is over (and Lord knows this election can‘t be over soon enough!). With that in mind, join me as we take a light-hearted walk down 2008 campaign memory lane and reflect on some of the more unforgettable moments and phrases that will, for better or for worse, forever define this campaign season:

“Like Putting Lipstick On a Pig“

This phrase was originally used in the car sales industry to describe taking a hunk of junk, brushing on a fresh coat of paint, and selling it for full price. Barack Obama uttered the phrase when he was comparing John McCain/Sarah Palin’s policies to President Bush’s policies to show how similar they were. This, in turn, got McCain/Palin supporters up in arms, calling it an insult to the vice presidential candidate. If you ask me, the only ones who should be insulted about all this are the poor pigs. They got it hard enough. Their very names are used to insult people — “you live in a pig sty,” “he’s fat like a pig”… I mean, come on — one day the pigs are doing their thing flopping around in the mud, then the next day they’re lying on a plate being a part of someone‘s breakfast. So let’s leave the poor pigs outta this!

Maverick

According to the Wikipedia dictionary, a maverick is “an unbranded range animal, especially a motherless calf. It can also mean a person who thinks independently, a lone dissenter, a non-conformist or rebel.” John McCain calls himself a “maverick Republican.” Again, what is it with farm animals? Leave the farm animals outta this! That poor calf is just roaming around looking for its mama. It doesn’t care who’s elected to the White House. And personally, the only maverick I ever knew was the yellow Ford Maverick my father drove us around in, and that baby got us to the White House in under ten hours, when our father drove us from our house in the Bronx to our vacation in DC. Now that’s a rebel!

Socialism

As defined in the Webster dictionary, socialism “refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating state or collective ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and the creation of an egalitarian society.” McCain/Palin have taken to calling Obama a socialist due to his remark that he wanted to “spread the wealth around.” Hmmm, and I thought “social-ism” is what Paris Hilton does.

Hockey Moms and Pit Bulls

Sarah Palin started the whole hockey mom business when she told a crowd: “You know what the difference is between a hockey mom and a pit bull?” Pointing to her mouth, she answered rhetorically: “Lipstick!” Now I’m not a mom, I don’t like hockey, and have never set foot in a hockey rink, but if it was me, I don’t think I’d like being compared to a pit bull. Also, what is this thing about putting cosmetic products on animals? First we got pigs with lipstick, now we got lipstick on pit bulls! And it’s not as if the poor dog hasn’t had enough to deal with! First Michael Vick has them fighting each other, then not a day goes by without some news report about a kid getting bitten by a dog that just happens to be a pit bull. Pit bulls haven’t had a break since Spuds McKenzie shilled beer for Budweiser! Let’s just leave the pit bulls out of this!

Sarah Palin‘s $150,000 Wardrobe

After she was chosen as John McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin’s advisers spent $75,000 at Neiman Marcus and another $49,000 at Saks Fifth Avenue on “campaign accessories” for her and her family. Well, running for vice president is like being on stage, and a girl who can see Russia from her window has to look good. Who knows — maybe after the race she’ll donate the wardrobe to her fellow hockey moms.

Joe the Plumber

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, a plumber, was used as a representative of aspiring middle class Americans during this presidential campaign season. Wurzelbacher was recorded questioning Obama about his tax policy and received prominence when he was mentioned frequently by McCain and Barack Obama during the third presidential debate on October 15, 2008 as “Joe the Plumber.” Since then, the nickname has been commonly used to refer to both Wurzelbacher himself and the “average Joe.“ If I could’ve gotten a penny every time “Joe the Plumber” was mentioned during this campaign, I would’ve surpassed Sarah Palin’s clothing allowance!

Okay, I admit some of the above was a bit silly and goofy, but what should not be taken lightly, however, is how important it is to make your voice heard on Election Day. So on that note, put some lipstick on your pig, turn the key in your Ford Maverick, and get out there and VOTE!