Punditry is like weather forecasting: the winds can shift without warning. I remember when nobody would bet a McDonald's Quarter Pounder that Bill Clinton would win the White House.
James CarvilleRead
Over the course of history, governments, political regimes, and leaders have done some stupid things despite all arguments to the contrary, at times even against their own self-interest.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Historical political actions often defy logic and self-interest.
This quote by James Carville reflects on the folly of leaders and governments throughout history, emphasizing that they have made irrational decisions even when clear arguments against such actions were presented. It serves as a reminder that the complexities of political motivations can lead to choices that appear foolish or detrimental, regardless of the consequences for themselves or the populace they govern.
Themes
PoliticsDecisionsPowerLeadershipHistory
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to illustrate how leaders often act against reason.
More from James Carville
All quotes βDon't get mad. Don't get even. Just get elected, then get even.
James CarvilleRead
I tell my students that the single most powerful thing that we have in this country - something that literally harbors no dissent and no questioning - is the all-powerful elite narrative.
James CarvilleRead
I have people ask me if I'm going to convince my daughters to be Democrats, and I say, 'I have yet to convince my daughters to close a door.' I don't how in the world I would ever convince them to be in a political affiliation.
James CarvilleRead
I used to think that if there was reincarnation, I wanted to come back as the President or the Pope or as a 400 basball hitter. But now I would like to come back as the bond market. You can intimidate everybody.
James CarvilleRead
We say there are people who have worked in campaigns who say that they have lost some - and we call those folks operatives, managers, strategists, consultants; and then there are people who work in campaigns and say that they have never lost, and we call them liars.
James CarvilleRead
Similar quotes
Freedom and the power to choose should not be the privilege of wealth. They are the birthright of every American.
George H. W. BushRead
Neither democracy nor effective representation is possible until each participant in the group...devotes a measurable part of his life to furthering its existence.
Lewis MumfordRead
Although our interests as citizens vary, each one is an artery to the heart that pumps life through the body politic, and each is important to the health of democracy.
Bill MoyersRead
In so strong a light, nevertheless, do they appear to the Secretary, that, on their due observance, at the present critical juncture, materially depend, in his judgment, the individual and aggregate prosperity of the citizens of the United States; their relief from the embarrassments they now experience; their character as a people; the cause of good government.
Alexander HamiltonRead
We can either be governed by fear - fear of immigrants, fear of Muslims, call the press the enemy of the people, tear kids away from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border - or we can be governed by our ambitions and our aspirations and our desire to make the most out of all of us. And that's America at its best.
Beto O'RourkeRead
For too long, too many people dependent on Social Security have been cruelly frightened by individuals seeking political gain through demagoguery and outright falsehood, and this must stop.
Ronald ReaganRead