If nominated by either party, I should peremptorily decline, and even if unanimously elected, I should decline to serve.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
It's easier to run for office than to run the office.
Interpretation
Running for a political position is simpler than managing the responsibilities that come with it.
This quote highlights the notion that pursuing political office is often seen as a more straightforward endeavor than the actual governance that responsibilities entail. While campaigning may draw enthusiasm and energy, the complexities of managing an office, making decisions, and responding to constituents demand much more skill, resilience, and leadership.
In practice
During a campaign speech, you could use this quote to emphasize the difference between campaigning and actual governance.
If nominated by either party, I should peremptorily decline, and even if unanimously elected, I should decline to serve.
I put my name out there and ran for public service because I want more inclusion, diversity, and opportunity... I will fight for those values.
Positional leaders ignore the fact that every person has hopes, dreams, desires, and goals of his own. And leaders must bring their vision and the aspirations of the people they lead together in a way that benefits everyone.
As a leader, you will never get ahead until your people are behind you.
This power ought to be coextensive with all the possible combinations of such circumstances; and ought to be under the direction of the same councils which are appointed to preside over the common defense.
It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.
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