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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.

Chester A. Arthur#2

PoliticsElectionsMedia

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

  • campaign events
  • media interviews
  • political scandals

Putting it to work

  • manage public perception
  • handle sensitive topics carefully

Questions to consider

  • How should leaders handle allegations in public?
  • Does silence imply guilt?

Another view

Deflection can appear evasive and damage credibility.

More from Chester A. Arthur

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  2. The extravagant expenditure of public money is an evil not to be measured by the value of that money to the people who are taxed for it.

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  3. I trust the time is nigh when, with the universal assent of civilized people, all international differences shall be determined without resort to arms by the b…

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