This fellow they've nominated claims he's the new Thomas Jefferson. Well let me tell you something; I knew Thomas Jefferson. He was a friend of mine and Governor... You're no Thomas Jefferson!'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Reagan mocks a nominee who claims to be like Thomas Jefferson, claiming he knew Jefferson personally.
- In plain terms
- You say you are like Jefferson, but I know he was my friend.
- What can you take from it?
- Use humor to dismiss false claims of greatness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we evaluate leadership claims?
- When is political humor appropriate?
Another view
Humor can undermine serious discussion of qualifications.
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