How many watched the President's speech last night? [half-hearted audience applause] How many watched American Idol? [thundering applause] Okay, there you go! You get the government you deserve.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Leno compares audience applause for the President to that for American Idol.
- In plain terms
- He suggests the government reflects what people prefer to watch.
- What can you take from it?
- Public attention spans influence leadership quality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does entertainment culture affect political leadership?
Another view
The implication that voters are solely responsible for government quality is simplistic.
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