Meaning: The quote, "We own the economy. We own the beginning of the turnaround and we want to make sure that we continue that pace of recovery, not go back to the policies of the past under the Bush administration that put us in the ditch in the first place," is attributed to Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a prominent politician and former chair of the Democratic National Committee. The quote reflects the rhetoric often used in political discourse to emphasize ownership and responsibility for economic conditions and the need for continued progress.

In this quote, Wasserman Schultz asserts that her party, presumably the Democratic Party, takes ownership of the economy and the initial stages of its recovery. By claiming ownership, she is suggesting that her party has been instrumental in steering the economy in a positive direction and should be credited with the progress made thus far. This assertion is not uncommon in political messaging, as parties and politicians often seek to take credit for positive economic developments to bolster their credibility and appeal to voters.

Furthermore, Wasserman Schultz expresses a desire to maintain the current pace of recovery and avoid reverting to the policies of the past, specifically those implemented during the Bush administration. By referencing the policies of the past administration and the perceived negative impact they had on the economy, she is positioning her party as the preferable choice for continued economic progress. This framing is a common tactic in political communication, as it seeks to contrast the policies and performance of the current administration with those of its predecessor.

The mention of "the policies of the past under the Bush administration that put us in the ditch in the first place" is a clear attempt to associate the previous administration with economic hardship and downturn. This framing serves to reinforce the idea that the current administration, presumably under Democratic leadership, has been responsible for initiating a turnaround from the economic challenges inherited from the previous administration. By drawing this contrast, Wasserman Schultz aims to persuade the audience that a return to policies associated with the Bush administration would be detrimental to the ongoing recovery and stability of the economy.

It's important to note that political rhetoric often involves simplification and framing of complex economic issues to align with a particular narrative or agenda. In this case, the quote reflects a partisan perspective on economic ownership and progress, emphasizing the role of the Democratic Party in steering the economy in a positive direction while cautioning against a return to previous policies.

Overall, the quote encapsulates the political messaging often employed to assert ownership of economic conditions and advocate for continued support of the current administration or party in power. It underscores the importance of understanding the context and motivations behind such statements in the broader landscape of political discourse and messaging.