Skip to content
quotesby

As a United States Senator, I am not proud of the way in which the Senate has been made a publicity platform for irresponsible sensationalism. I am not proud of the reckless abandon in which unproved charges have been hurled from this side of the aisle. I am not proud of the obviously staged, undignified countercharges that have been attempted in retaliation from the other side of the aisle. I don't like the way the Senate has been made a rendezvous for vilification, for selfish political gain at the sacrifice of individual reputations and national unity.

Margaret Chase Smith#11

PoliticsLeadershipSenateDignityResponsibilityUnity

About this quote

What does it mean?
The Senate should not be used for sensationalism or personal attacks. Political gain should not come at the cost of reputations or unity.
In plain terms
Don't use the Senate for insults or personal attacks.
What can you take from it?
Legislative bodies should focus on duty, not drama.

Where it applies

  • legislative sessions
  • political hearings
  • public office

Putting it to work

  • avoid personal attacks
  • focus on policy
  • maintain decorum

Questions to consider

  • How should elected officials conduct themselves?
  • What is the purpose of a legislature?

Another view

Political rivals often use sensationalism to gain attention.

More from Margaret Chase Smith

  1. I don't believe the American people will uphold any political party that puts political exploitation above national interest. Surely we Republicans aren't that…

    Permalink to quote #10
  2. As an American, I condemn a Republican 'Fascist' just as much as I condemn a Democrat 'Communist.' I condemn a Democrat 'Fascist' just as much as I condemn a R…

    Permalink to quote #12
  3. Surely these are sufficient reasons to make it clear to the American people that it is time for a change and that a Republican victory is necessary to the secu…

    Permalink to quote #9

Related quotes

  1. The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - of how to get men of power to live for the public …

    Robert F. KennedyRobert F. Kennedy quote #1
  2. Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the…

    James K. PolkJames K. Polk quote #1
  3. In two cases I did not fulfill my role as defense minister, in that I did not stop things that I was sure should have been stopped.

    Moshe DayanMoshe Dayan quote #2