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About this quote

What does it mean?
McCarthy says presidents should represent the country rather than dominate it.
In plain terms
Leaders should serve the nation, not overshadow it.
What can you take from it?
A president's role is to support, not surpass, the people.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • voting decisions

Putting it to work

  • choosing representative leaders
  • checking presidential power

Questions to consider

  • What makes a good president?
  • Should leaders be above the country?

Another view

Strong leaders are sometimes needed in crisis.

More from Eugene McCarthy

  1. There is only one thing to do - take it to the country!

    Permalink to quote #4
  2. I'm kind of an accidental instrument, really, through which I hope that the judgment and the will of this nation can be expressed.

    Permalink to quote #6
  3. The only thing that saves us from the bureaucracy is inefficiency. An efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty.

    Permalink to quote #3

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