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About this quote

What does it mean?
Television didn't create political chaos; it simply revealed the lack of professionalism already present.
In plain terms
TV just showed us that politicians were already acting like circus performers.
What can you take from it?
Media exposure reveals existing flaws in systems.

Where it applies

  • political reporting
  • media criticism
  • public discourse

Putting it to work

  • critique media coverage
  • demand professionalism

Questions to consider

  • Does media shape politics or just reflect it?
  • How do you judge political performance?

Another view

Media can sometimes exaggerate issues for ratings.

More from Edward R. Murrow

  1. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.

    Permalink to quote #64
  2. A nation of sheep begets a government of wolves.

    Permalink to quote #66
  3. To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful.

    Permalink to quote #63

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