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About this quote

What does it mean?
Stewart asserts that public figures have a duty to uphold discourse standards and fail when they don't.
In plain terms
He says people in media must help good conversation and fail when they don't.
What can you take from it?
Public figures owe the public honest discourse.

Where it applies

  • holding leaders accountable
  • media commentary
  • civic duty

Putting it to work

  • demand accountability
  • evaluate media impact
  • promote ethical discourse

Questions to consider

  • What constitutes good discourse?
  • Who is responsible for public debate?

Another view

It assumes a shared standard of discourse that may not exist.

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