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I am saying what I believe. And I'm being drawn into the political process because of what I believe and what I've said about it. So it's precisely the opposite of a man like Tom DeLay, who is only motivated by politics and says whatever he needs to say to get the political purpose. And so, you know, it couldn't be more diametrically opposed, and I couldn't be more opposed than I am to Tom DeLay. You know, Wolf, when our airmen were flying over Kosovo, Tom DeLay led the House Republicans to vote not to support their activities, when American troops were in combat. To me, that's a real indicator of a man who is motivated not by patriotism or support for the troops, but for partisan political purposes.

Wesley Clark#1

PoliticsDefenseIntegrity

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker contrasts their belief-driven political involvement with Tom DeLays perceived partisan motivations, citing a specific vote against supporting troops in Kosovo.
In plain terms
I am in politics because of my beliefs, unlike Tom DeLay who seems to act only for politics, especially regarding troops in Kosovo.
What can you take from it?
Ensure political actions align with genuine principles rather than partisan gain.

Where it applies

  • congressional votes
  • public debates
  • political endorsements

Putting it to work

  • vote based on principle
  • critique partisan motives

Questions to consider

  • What motivates political action?
  • How do we judge a politician's loyalty?

Another view

Accusations of partisan motives can escalate political division.

More from Wesley Clark

  1. We live in a liberal democracy....That's what we created in this country. I think we should be very clear on this. You know, this country was founded on the pr…

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  2. But you don't have a chance if you can't find a job. I don't think it penetrates the minds of this Administration what it must be like for a factory worker to …

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  3. Nothing could be a more serious violation of public trust than to consciously make a war based on false claims.

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