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Had Grover Cleveland been a politician, with the record of a spoilsman behind, his promises would mean little. They might have deceived a few of the simple, disgusted a few of the honest, caused mirth to a few other spoilsmen, and thus fulfilled their intended mission; for Americans had long since learned that, as the devil can quote Scripture, so the most dangerous type of demagogue can sing of ideals in false notes not easily distinguishable from true. But Mr. Cleveland had already put into practice the ideals which he announced, and Republicans bent on reform rallied to his support with an enthusiasm equal to that of his Democratic followers.

Grover Cleveland#36

PoliticsIntegrityLeadershipIdealsReformTrust

About this quote

What does it mean?
Cleveland's promises were trusted because he practiced his ideals. Other politicians could easily deceive by quoting high values without living them.
In plain terms
People trust leaders who live their ideals not just talk about them.
What can you take from it?
Actions validate political ideals more than words.

Where it applies

  • voter evaluation
  • political endorsements
  • reform movements

Putting it to work

  • watch for action matching words
  • support leaders with records

Questions to consider

  • How do you trust a politician?
  • Can ideals be practiced consistently?

Another view

Past practice does not guarantee future consistency.

More from Grover Cleveland

  1. Four Good Reasons for Electing Cleveland: 1. He is honest. 2. He is honest. 3. He is honest. 4. He is honest.

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  2. Unskilled in sophistry and new to the darker ways of national politics, Grover Cleveland faced his accusers, his slanderers, and his judges, the sovereign peop…

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. I want you to take good care of all the furniture and ornaments of the house, for I want to find everything just as it is now when we come back again... We are…

    Permalink to quote #34

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