For Salmond's fiendish strategists, it wasn't so much about detoxifying the Nationalist brand, as turning it into what the Saatchis call a "lovemark" – a vote for them becoming an expression of confidence in, and optimism about, Scotland's prospects.
But to my ears, at least, his remarks about freedom of speech, and his expression of confidence in reason and rational debate, had clear echoes of Wilson.
At the other extreme, there had been a hope – albeit faint – that voters would rally around Merkel almost as an act of defiance and an expression of confidence in a new, more modern, more diverse and more generous Germany.
As a gesture of goodwill, and an expression of confidence in a successful outcome, would they hand over a couple of billion euros from the €7.2bn (£5.2bn) that is at issue?
DiamondCorp's chief executive Paul Loudon said: Their decision to provide project finance in return for access to a long-term supply agreement is testament to the quality of the Lace diamonds and an expression of confidence in DiamondCorp's development strategy.
The buybacks are both an expression of confidence in the U.S. financial system and an attempt by individual companies to stabilize their share prices.
"What we see happening in the North is not an expression of confidence, rather it shows serious internal strain and uncertainty," said Nam Joo-hong, a North Korea specialist at Kyonggi University in South Korea.
In a statement SFX Entertainment released about the move, Sillerman said: "This expression of confidence from our lenders is testimonial to the vibrancy and potential of our business, and the dedication and professionalism of the over 600 people who make up SFX".
"This visit is just a political act, an expression of confidence, but only true gestures lead to economic and social advances".
"I am both humbled and honored by the expression of confidence that the players' vote reflects," Fehr said in a statement.
