I think they had an impact, but I don't support gay marriage, John Kerry didn't support gay marriage. I think it is an enormous mistake for us the Democratic Party, or me to become something I'm not.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker argues that adopting positions he does not hold is a strategic mistake for political identity.
- In plain terms
- It is wrong to claim views you do not actually support.
- What can you take from it?
- Political integrity matters more than short-term gains.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can politicians change views?
- Is consistency more important than adaptation?
Another view
It frames policy disagreement as personal identity conflict.
More from John Edwards
We can compete and we should compete in national elections.
Permalink to quote #12 I don't believe the answer for us is to invoke the Lord's name 55 times in a speech. It looks political.
Permalink to quote #14 I take responsibility for the election itself.
Permalink to quote #11
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