Edwin Edwards Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The only way you don't do politics is from within a cemetery."

This quote, spoken by former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, underscores the idea that political involvement is an inevitable part of human society and existence. It suggests that if one wants to make a difference or influence decisions, they must engage in the political process. In essence, avoiding politics means being excluded from shaping the world around us, and the only way not to do politics is by being removed from the sphere of life itself – in other words, from within a cemetery.

"Politics is like sausage being made. It is unsavory, and many people would prefer not to see what goes into it."

This quote suggests that the process of creating political policies or making decisions in politics can be distasteful and often involves complex, unappealing or undesirable maneuvers, much like the process of making sausage, which is not typically considered an appealing process. It implies that the average person might prefer not to know the details about how politics really works, as it may tarnish their image of the political system and its leaders. In essence, the quote serves as a reminder that political compromise, negotiating, and decision-making can be messy and not always aligned with moral or ethical ideals.

"I've lost more elections than I care to remember. I think I'd rather have been a one-term president."

Edwin Edwards, a former Louisiana governor, expressed a sentiment here that signifies his resilience in the face of multiple electoral defeats. He preferred having served just one term as U.S. President to experiencing numerous election losses because it would have meant more time spent in the highest office of the land. His statement showcases a pragmatic approach, recognizing the significance and prestige associated with the presidency compared to the challenges that come with losing elections repeatedly.

"The difference between a Republican and an ostrich is that if an ostrich buries its head in the sand, it's just a bird with its head in the sand. A Republican will walk around with its head stuck up its ass."

This quote by Edwin Edwards suggests a critique of the Republican political party, comparing them to ostriches burying their heads in the sand, symbolizing ignoring or avoiding problems, and walking around with their head up their own backsides, suggesting they are arrogant or self-absorbed. In other words, he implies that Republicans have a tendency to avoid addressing issues directly and to act in an overly confident or pompous manner.

"We're all entitled to our own opinions, but not our own facts." (This quote is often attributed to Edwards, but its origins are unclear.)

The quote emphasizes the idea that while everyone has the right to their personal beliefs or opinions, those beliefs should be based on factual evidence rather than misinformation, bias, or personal interpretation. It's a call for accountability in the use of information and encourages us to distinguish between subjective views and objective facts.