I think the use of the term "rhetoric" to describe this thread is incorrect. Rhetoric is the persuasive use of speech.
You are correct, however as shown below I was thinking more of number three (disapproving). Besides "Political Rhetoric" sounded better. I think moveon.org is going to sponsor the banner.
rhetoric [Show phonetics]
noun [U]
1 speech or writing which is intended to be effective and persuasive:
How far the president will be able to translate his campaign rhetoric into action remains to be seen.
I was swayed by her rhetoric into donating all my savings to the charity.
2 SPECIALIZED the study of the ways of using language effectively
3 DISAPPROVING clever language which sounds good but is not sincere or has no real meaning:
In reply to the question, he just produced a lot of empty (= meaningless) rhetoric.
(Disclaimer: the moveon.org thin was a joke)