AP
June 21, 2008
CHICAGO - For anyone trying to picture Barack Obama as president, his campaign offered a visual aid.
A new seal made its debut on Obama's podium yesterday as he held a roundtable discussion with Democratic governors.
The seal, with a blue background and an eagle in the center clutching arrows and an olive branch, might remind some of the presidential version.
But on closer look, the seal is full of symbols representing Obama's campaign of change.
The presidential seal has the Latin phrase "E pluribus unum" - "Out of many, one."
In place of that, Obama's seal says, "Vero possumus" - a rough Latin translation of his slogan of "Yes, we can."
Latin scholar Matthew Crozier told ABC News the precise definition of vero possumus is "In truth we are able."
"Close enough," Crozier concluded.
On podiums at the White House, the seal is encircled with the words, "Seal of the President of the United States."
Obama's Internet-driven campaign lists his Web site address in that place.
Where the presidential version has a shield over the eagle's breast, Obama's has his "O" campaign logo with a rising sun representing hope ahead.
McCain has nothing as presidential.
The sign on his podium isn't a seal - just a placard that says, "McCAIN" and promotes his campaign Web site, johnmccain.com.
