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About this quote

What does it mean?
Many politicians prioritize being loved over serving their constituents effectively.
In plain terms
Politicians often care more about popularity than doing their job right.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of leaders seeking affection over results.

Where it applies

  • election campaigns
  • policy making
  • political accountability

Putting it to work

  • evaluate leaders by actions
  • demand substance over charm

Questions to consider

  • Do you vote based on policy or personality?
  • What makes a leader worthy of respect?

Another view

Some politicians do prioritize public service over personal affection.

More from Edward R. Murrow

  1. Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them.

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  2. The politician is : trained in the art of inexactitude. His words tend to be blunt or rounded, because if they have a cutting edge they may later return to wou…

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  3. He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.

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