I found a phrase – ‘Ticket to Oblivion’ in today’s Washington Post article titled ‘State of the Union ‘response’ often a mixed-blessing for the responder.’
I understand this phrase refers to difficulty of making ‘Response addresses,’ which tend to be (or destined to be) outshone by State of Union well-prepared in advance. The article gives several examples of failed Response addresses in the past, such as one delivered by Jim Webb (D.Va.) in rebuking the then President Gorge W. Bush’s statement of Union in 2007.
However, what does 'ticket to oblivion' precisely mean? Is it a well-established English phrase? What's the origin of the phrase?
The article also says ‘Past response speeches show how hard it is to strike the right tone.’ I want to know the meaning of ‘strike/striking the right tone.’
Every year at this time, politicians say it's an honor to give the opposition party's "response" to the State of the Union Address. History proves this is usually false.
After [President Obama], as America's TV viewers get drowsier, Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) will give the Republican response. This year, Ryan's job is made even more complicated by the fact that another Republican will give a "tea party" response after him.
"Have a 'ticket to oblivion,'" said Allan Lichtman, a history professor at American University, said about Ryan.
Best Answer
There is also a political overtone to the use of this phrase. It is not normal to have two responses, one from a party followed by another from a subgroup within that party.
Hence the user of the term may be referring to his belief that this split in the republicans is their entire party's ticket to oblivion. Not just the time-worn habit of the responding speaking being destined to obscurity.