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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ford warns against inexperienced elites bypassing party structures to control elections after Watergate.
In plain terms
Never let a group of young, arrogant politicians override the party system.
What can you take from it?
Protect established party processes from unchecked insider groups.

Where it applies

  • elections
  • party management
  • reform

Putting it to work

  • support party rules
  • monitor elite influence

Questions to consider

  • How do we balance experience and fresh ideas?
  • Who should control elections?

Another view

It assumes regular organizations are always better than new voices.

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