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About this quote

What does it mean?
Carville suggests the timing of Richardson's endorsement of Obama on Good Friday is ironic because it coincides with the anniversary of Judas's betrayal.
In plain terms
The endorsement happened on a day symbolizing betrayal, making the timing fitting but ironic.
What can you take from it?
Timing can add symbolic weight to political moves.

Where it applies

  • political endorsements
  • strategic timing
  • campaign rhetoric

Putting it to work

  • analyze timing of statements
  • use historical parallels

Questions to consider

  • How does timing affect public perception?
  • Is irony a useful tool in politics?

Another view

Historical comparisons can be seen as overly dramatic or misleading.

More from James Carville

  1. (Hollywood) hates America.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. Who cares? Sometimes you need rebirth.' (On the destruction of America)

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. 'Washington is a dirty diaper. It's time for a change.'

    Permalink to quote #4

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