While turning citizens against each other, the regime also attempted to project an image of unity and optimism.
With polls and angry town hall meetings suggesting that many voters were wary of a Medicare overhaul if not opposed, party unity and optimism have given way to a bit of a Republican-on-Republican rumpus.
While Mr. Clinton was not discussing civil rights at the time and seemed to be referring mainly to Mr. Obama's stance at the Iraq war, Mr. Clyburn saw the remark as a slap at the image of a black candidate running on a theme of unity and optimism.
But for Mr. Kerry to suggest unsubstantiated notions, including that President Bush lied to the country about Iraq, is not only counter to Mr. Kerry's own statements of unity and optimism, it also indicates the shift to the left that has overtaken the Democrats.
BBC Three Counties Radio's Phil Catchpole: "As Gareth Ainsworth enters his first full season as a manager, there is an air of unity and optimism around Adams Park.
Burns, confident he has broken the union's spirit, steps out on his balcony to hear their reaction but is disarmed by their unity and optimism.
And quietly, he transformed into Glenn Beck 2.0 a quieter, gentler version who calls for national unity and optimism and who wants Americans to try to love each other a little more.
One version of the 1950s was centred on the United Nations, with a sense of fresh unity and understanding, optimism even.
We beat France 2-1, althoughough the victory was insufficient to qualify us into the next round, the consensus across the country following the game was that "we won!" Why? First, because the Bafana Bafana (Zulu term of endearment meaning "the boys") played at last with optimism, unity, and occasional brilliance; as good a recipe as any for a nascent national identity.
"That single event shocked us out of the optimism and unity that had been so tangible just five years before.
