Political Leadership Quotes
He is credited with the origin of this statement by many sources but a primary quotation has eluded us.
This quotation illustrates how public approval of politicians has radically changed over the years bouncing up and down like a Yo Yo. In 1872, when this was written, the standing of politicians was low. During and after Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, the public more admired politicians. Opinions deteriorated and hit a new low with Herbert Hoover and the Great Depression only to rise again with FDR and WWII. Often the view of the presidency colors the public perception of all politicians, but sometimes there is a differential. During President’s Barack Obama’s first term, he was reasonably popular, but the public approval of the Congress had eroded to 10 percent, the lowest in recorded history.
Vladimir Lenin. Ironically it was Lenin who was among the first Russian leaders to recognize Stalin’s shortcomings. However, it turned out to be too late. He had enough strength and power in Russia to withstand attempts to depose him.
This was remarkable praise for a man of the opposite party who had himself served two Presidential terms.
Stimson had been a key member of the Theodore Roosevelt national administration, and Roosevelt, before he became Vice President and then President had been a very popular governor of NY. Stimson, although a brilliant administrator, and statesman was a bit stuffy and aloof and was a terrible campaigner. He thought it immodest to refer to himself in public or to talk about his record. See {589269}. So the Republicans tried to tie him to Roosevelt who was still very popular. See {589268}. It was not enough. Stimson lost.
