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I'm the one who will not raise taxes. My opponent now says he'll raise them as a last resort, or a third resort. But when a politician talks like that, you know that's one resort he'll be checking into. My opponent, my opponent won't rule out raising taxes. But I will. And The Congress will push me to raise taxes and I'll say no. And they'll push, and I'll say no, and they'll push again, and I'll say, to them, Read my lips: no new taxes.

George H. W. Bush#5

PoliticsPolicyAccountabilityCampaignPromisesTaxes

About this quote

What does it mean?
A firm campaign pledge refusing to raise taxes under any circumstances, framed as a direct promise.
In plain terms
I promise not to raise taxes no matter what.
What can you take from it?
Make clear, firm campaign promises to voters.

Where it applies

  • campaign speech
  • tax debate
  • election year

Putting it to work

  • state clear fiscal stance
  • set voter expectations

Questions to consider

  • How binding should campaign promises be?
  • What is your stance on taxes?

Another view

Absolute promises may limit flexibility in governance.

More from George H. W. Bush

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  3. We love your adherence to democratic principles and to the democratic process.

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