I can think of nothing more boring for the American people than to have to sit in their living rooms for a whole half hour looking at my face on their television screens.
Interpretation
Eisenhower humorously expresses his belief that watching him on television is unexciting.
In this quote, Dwight D. Eisenhower reflects on his perception of political broadcasting and the challenges of engaging the public. He uses humor to convey his self-awareness and humility, suggesting that the idea of people watching him for an extended period is dull. This statement highlights the disconnect between politicians and the everyday experience of the citizens they serve, indicating a desire for more relatable and engaging communication.
In practice
In a keynote speech addressing the importance of engaging with citizens, this quote could be used to lighten the mood.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
I never know when I am being funny, and the other way too. I don't think you can think about that. I don't think you can try to be funny. Some people are just funny.
A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain.
I'm very good at integral and differential calculus, I know the scientific names of beings animalculous; In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral, I am the very model of a modern Major-General.
I don't approve of political jokes; I have seen too many of them get elected.
When I was four, I asked my mother for a valet for my birthday.
From here on in, Harry, I may be as woefully wrong as Humphrey Belcher who believed the time was ripe for a cheese cauldron.
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