When she was running for the Senate, Hillary's psephologists discovered that the one group that really hated her was white, middle-aged men of property. She got the whole thing immediately - I heard she said, 'I remind them of their first wife.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Vidal notes Hillary Clinton identified a key voter group (white middle-aged men) and used a witty analogy to understand their hostility.
- In plain terms
- She realized certain men disliked her and joked they saw her as a reminder of their first wife.
- What can you take from it?
- Political candidates can use humor to understand voter perceptions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do voters project personal experiences on candidates?
- Is humor effective in politics?
Another view
Reducing voter behavior to marital analogies may oversimplify complex issues.
More from Gore Vidal
Patriotism is as sickening today as it has ever been. I was watching the news before you came and there was a lot of coverage of Kosovo and the problems there.…
Permalink to quote #71 'You got to meet everyone - Jackie Kennedy, William Burroughs.' People always put that sentence the wrong way around. I mean, why not put it the true way, that…
Permalink to quote #73 I've developed a total loathing for McCain, conceited little asshole. And he thinks he's wonderful. I mean, you can just tell, this little simper of self-love …
Permalink to quote #70
Related quotes
In America, you can always find a party. In Soviet Russia, The Party can always find you!
Yakov SmirnoffYakov Smirnoff quote #1 The only way I can lose this election is if I'm caught in bed with either a dead girl or a live boy.
Edwin W. EdwardsEdwin W. Edwards quote #1 I am not a politician, and my other habits are good, also.
Artemus WardArtemus Ward quote #1