Indiana was really, I suppose, a Democratic State. It has always been put down in the book as a state that might be carried by a close and careful and perfect organization and a great deal of- [from audience: 'soap,' in reference to purchased votes, the word being followed by laughter]. I see reporters here, and therefore I will simply say that everybody showed a great deal of interest in the occasion, and distributed tracts and political documents all through the country.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker addresses rumors about vote buying in Indiana but deflects due to reporters present.
- In plain terms
- I won't comment on rumors because reporters are here.
- What can you take from it?
- Public figures often dodge sensitive topics when media is present.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should leaders handle allegations in public?
- Does silence imply guilt?
Another view
Deflection can appear evasive and damage credibility.
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