You say "rescue", I say "bailout", let's call the whole thing off

By GottaLaff

Terminology, or in Gramm-pa McCain's/Bush's case, verminology:

Countdown to Crawford notes that White House spokesman Tony Fratto took issue today with journalists using the term “bailout” to describe the $700 billion package. “It’s really unfortunate shorthand for a very complicated issue,” he said. The White House prefers the word “rescue.” For insight into why the White House is playing semantic word games, consider what Fred Barnes said last week on Fox News:

We would be in a better situation, or at least the Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson would if this were known as a “rescue” rather than a “bailout.” “Bailout” sounds terrible. Who is for a bailout? A lot of people are for a rescue.

UPDATE: This morning, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) made a similar a comment:

Well I think what happened is we didn’t convince enough Republicans and Democrats…that this was a rescue package and not a bailout.

UPDATE II: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) today: “When you call it a bailout, nobody’s in favor of a bailout.”

Now check this out... First, the Washington Post:

• With renewed confidence that a Wall St. rescue plan will eventually pass, investors unleash bargain hunters a day after historic sell-off.
• Lawmakers urged to revive financial rescue plan, warned of catastrophic consequences if it dies.
• Both candidates are jockeying to find their footing in ongoing battle to rescue economy.

Next, the New York Times:

• President Bush and Senate leaders of both parties vowed on Tuesday to work toward quick approval of a financial bailout plan.
• Wall Street Donations and the Bailout Vote
• Lobbyists regroup after public beats bailout bill

Does this have any relevance, or am I reading into it?