"Politics is show business for ugly people."
This quote by Maureen Dowd suggests that politics, like show business, involves a performance or presentation meant to captivate an audience (voters). However, unlike the glamour and charm of show business, politics often attracts individuals who may not conform to traditional standards of beauty or grace. Instead, they may excel in skills such as persuasion, charisma, and the ability to manipulate public opinion. This quote implies a cynical view of politicians, suggesting that their focus is more on gaining power through image and performance rather than on genuine leadership and service.
"The real test is not whether you avoid this time the label of a 'flip-flopper,' but whether you end up on the right side of history."
This quote emphasizes that the true measure of one's character, particularly in political contexts, isn't avoiding labels like "flip-flopper," which can imply inconsistency or indecisiveness. Instead, it is more significant to strive towards taking positions that are historically perceived as just and beneficial. In other words, the quote suggests that actions should be guided by principles rather than public opinion or political convenience, with the ultimate goal of leaving a positive legacy.
"It's never too late — though it almost always is."
This quote suggests that there's always a chance for change, growth, or opportunity, no matter how seemingly late in life one may be. However, it also carries the implication that time often works against us, making success or achievement more challenging as we progress through life. The balance lies in understanding and embracing this duality - recognizing that while opportunities may diminish over time, they never truly disappear, so it's essential to seize them when possible.
"Republicans are the party that says government is the problem; they get elected, and government is the solution."
This quote by Maureen Dowd highlights a perceived irony in American politics. The Republican Party often argues against expansive government intervention or spending, yet, once in power, they often implement policies that require significant government involvement or financial resources. In essence, this quote suggests that the Republican Party may be inconsistent in their view of government's role, using it as a campaign issue but embracing it when in positions of power.
"There is something almost comically predictable about the spectacle of a man who once declared himself above politics now reduced to begging his former colleagues for a job."
This quote by Maureen Dowd suggests that when someone who has previously proclaimed themselves as being above politics finds themselves needing political support, it is ironic and comically predictable because such individuals often portray themselves as being superior to the "political fray." However, in a political system where influence and power are key, they inevitably find themselves needing those very same connections when their circumstances change. The quote thus points to the paradox of political self-perception versus reality.
Obama invented himself against all odds and repeated parental abandonment, and he worked hard to regiment his emotions. But now that can come across as imperviousness and inflexibility. He wants to run the agenda; he doesn't want the agenda to run him. Once you become president, though, there's no way to predict what your crises will be.
- Maureen Dowd
Eric Schmidt looks innocent enough, with his watercolor blue eyes and his tiny office full of toys and his Google campus stocked with volleyball courts and unlocked bikes and wheat-grass shots and cereal dispensers and Haribo Gummi Bears and heated toilet seats and herb gardens and parking lots with cords hanging to plug in electric cars.
- Maureen Dowd
Obama sees himself as such a huge change that he can be cautious about other societal changes. But what he doesn't realize is that legalizing gay marriage is like electing a black president. Before you do it, it seems inconceivable. Once it's done, you can't remember what all the fuss was about.
- Maureen Dowd
We are supposed to believe that every dollar given to a Clinton is a dollar that improves the world. But is it? Clintonworld is a galaxy where personal enrichment and political advancement blend seamlessly, and where a cast of jarringly familiar characters pad their pockets every which way to Sunday.
- Maureen Dowd
I feel like I owe it to the readers to try to pull back the veil and give them the honest version of what's going on. But it's not more fun. If Obama, as he does sometimes already, gets a little snippy with me about something I've written, you're thinking, 'Oh God, the president of the United States is already annoyed with me.'
- Maureen Dowd
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