In June 2008, with the election still five months away, Obama and his campaign aides decided to jazz up the look of his lectern at a Chicago governors' conference with a seal that looked awfully presidential (not to mention presumptuous). Bearing the Latin phrase Vero possumus ("Truly we are able" or, loosely translated, "Yes, We Can"), the prop was widely mocked by opponents and quickly retired. His campaign later claimed it was for "one-time use." Perhaps one too many.