Parties are instruments of government....The business of parties is not just win elections. It is to govern. And a party cannot govern if it is disunited. (Kings County Democratic dinner Brooklyn, NY, 1965)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Political parties exist to govern, not just win elections. A party cannot govern effectively if it is internally divided.
- In plain terms
- Parties must work together to govern, not just win elections.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize unity within parties to enable governance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance unity and dissent?
- Does your group prioritize winning or governing?
Another view
Unity can sometimes stifle necessary internal debate or reform.
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