If a politician doesn't wanna get beat up, he shouldn't run for office. If a football player doesn't want to get tackled or want the risk of an a occasional clip he shouldn't put the pads on.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker uses a sports analogy to justify accepting physical and political risks associated with leadership.
- In plain terms
- If you want to avoid getting hurt, you should not play the game.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept risks when taking on public roles.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What risks are necessary for public service?
- Is the analogy to sports accurate for politics?
Another view
Political risks often extend beyond fair competition to personal attacks.
More from Bill Clinton
I think it would be a great thing if we had an election year where you had two people who loved this country and were devoted to the interest of this country. …
Permalink to quote #40 Webb, if I put you over at Justice I want you to find the answers to two questions for me. One, who killed JFK? And two, are there UFOs?
Permalink to quote #42 I have met all the most gifted people in our generation and you're the best.
Permalink to quote #39
Related quotes
Nie chce, ale musze. (often written Nie chcem, ale muszem. to underline the accent)
Lech WalesaLech Walesa quote #1 When you have sweated, toiled, had mad dreams, hopeless nightmares, you find yourself in London's streets, cold and dank in the night air. Think - what have I …
Michael CollinsMichael Collins quote #1 I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men... in receiving from the people the sacred trust confided to my illustrious predecessor.
Martin Van BurenMartin Van Buren quote #1