Cheap cigars come in handy; they stifle the odor of cheap politicians.
Interpretation
This quote humorously suggests that cheap cigars can mask the unpleasantness associated with insincere politicians.
Ulysses S. Grant's quote uses a witty comparison to emphasize the negative characteristics often associated with politicians, particularly those who are insincere or untrustworthy. By stating that cheap cigars help cover up their odor, Grant points to the idea that sometimes superficial solutions are needed to cope with deeper issues, like the dishonesty in politics.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about political integrity to emphasize the need for authenticity.
The great bulk of the legal voters of the South were men who owned no slaves; their homes were generally in the hills and poor country; their facilities for educating their children, even up to the point of reading and writing, were very limited; their interest in the contest was very meagre--what there was, if they had been capable of seeing it, was with the North; they too needed emancipation.
Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization and to this we must look as our guide in the future.
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Someone asked why I invited Jon Stewart to be the first guest on the 'Journal''s premiere in 2007. 'Because Mark Twain isn't available,' I answered. I was serious.
He'd heard that writers spent all day in their dressing gowns drinking champagne. This is, of course, absolutely true.
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