Mickey Kaus Quotes

Powerful Mickey Kaus for Daily Growth

About Mickey Kaus

Mickey Kaus (born Michael A. Kaus Jr., October 16, 1954) is an American journalist, political commentator, and author who has made significant contributions to the field of journalism and political discourse. Born in New York City, Kaus grew up in a Jewish family with strong liberal leanings and developed a keen interest in politics at a young age. He graduated from Brown University in 1976 and later earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1980. Kaus began his career as a reporter for The Washington Post, where he covered the White House under President Jimmy Carter. His time at the Post marked the beginning of his longstanding interest in politics, particularly American liberalism and conservatism. In 1985, Kaus moved to California to become a columnist for The Los Angeles Times. During this period, he also wrote a political column for Slate magazine and served as a contributor for The Weekly Standard. Kaus is perhaps best known for his influential book "The End of Equality" (1992), which examines the tension between liberalism's commitment to equality and its role in promoting group identities. His other notable works include "All American Politics: A Not-So-Secret Guide to the Slaughterhouse" (1986) and "Kausfiles" (blog, 1997-2010), both of which offer insightful commentary on American politics and society. Throughout his career, Kaus has been a vocal critic of both major political parties and has championed the need for a strong liberalism that prioritizes individual rights over group interests. His work continues to influence political discourse in America and beyond, as he remains active as a writer and commentator on current events.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Politics is not just about ideas; it's also about who's excited."

This quote emphasizes that political movements are not solely driven by intellectual merit or policy proposals, but also by the level of enthusiasm and passion demonstrated by those involved. In other words, a politically successful idea is often one that can generate excitement among its supporters, which can lead to increased participation, mobilization, and eventual success in political discourse.

"The left has a deep and abiding belief in the power of government to do good."

This quote highlights a fundamental perspective of the political Left, which posits that governmental institutions have substantial potential to bring about positive change and improve societal welfare. They believe that through appropriate policies and interventions, governments can address social issues effectively, alleviate inequalities, and promote social justice.

"Liberals are always more interested in being right than in being effective."

This quote suggests that liberal individuals or groups prioritize maintaining a correct ideological stance over achieving practical, tangible results. The statement implies that sometimes, adhering too rigidly to one's beliefs may hinder the ability to compromise and collaborate effectively towards common goals. It highlights a potential trade-off between ideological purity and effectiveness in implementing policies or making decisions.

"Conservatives believe what liberals did yesterday will be liberalism tomorrow."

This quote suggests that conservative political ideology is rooted in the belief that the actions or policies of liberals today may eventually become mainstream liberal positions tomorrow, thereby shifting to the right. In essence, conservatives perceive a progressive shift in political beliefs over time, implying they must remain vigilant and resistant to change to maintain their traditional values.

"A wise man once said: 'Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.'"

This quote emphasizes that while everyone has the right to their personal beliefs (opinions), they should not manipulate or distort facts to support those beliefs. It's a call for truthfulness and accountability in the presentation of information, encouraging people to base their opinions on verifiable facts rather than misinformation or biased interpretations.

If Americans are reluctant to go on the dole that's because they have a healthy work ethic.

- Mickey Kaus

Work, Healthy, Ethic, Dole

Do we really want a society in which the stigma of going on the dole has been erased?

- Mickey Kaus

Society, Which, Stigma, Dole

People have to eat and it's good to have a last-resort dole they can turn to.

- Mickey Kaus

People, Turn, Eat, Dole

An ignorant person with a bad character is like an unarmed robber, but a learned person with a blog is a robber fully armed.

- Mickey Kaus

Character, Bad, Like, Fully

I don't have any particular beef with Barbara Boxer. My beef is with the official Democratic doctrine that anybody who reaches Boxer's position has to spout and has to endorse.

- Mickey Kaus

Anybody, Boxer, Official, Doctrine

My father was an immigrant from Austria and he became a lawyer and became a judge and I think he was a good judge.

- Mickey Kaus

Think, I Think, Became, Lawyer

I know I have the mental capacity of a thousand bloggers, but because of that, my obligation to serve God is also that of a thousand bloggers.

- Mickey Kaus

Know, Mental, Obligation, Bloggers

Usually I write about what I care about, which is a weakness but I think also a strength.

- Mickey Kaus

Think, I Think, Which, I Care

One danger, when you're writing lots of quick, opinionated blog items about the latest developments, is that you never get around to stating fully, in one place, what you think about a particular topic.

- Mickey Kaus

Think, Quick, Developments, Topic

I may have been the only candidate in America who failed to ride the wave of anti-establishment anger to victory.

- Mickey Kaus

Victory, Been, May, Candidate

I've often been accused of spending more time and energy criticizing my fellow Democrats than criticizing Republicans.

- Mickey Kaus

Democrats, Been, Criticizing, Fellow

I'm fortunate to make any money as a blogger.

- Mickey Kaus

Money, Make, Any, Fortunate

My father was not a political animal.

- Mickey Kaus

Father, Animal, Political, Political Animal

I'm not a Wall Street expert, but I can read the papers.

- Mickey Kaus

Street, Wall, Read, Expert

Ezra Klein gets under my skin. He seems to spout the party line.

- Mickey Kaus

Skin, Line, Gets, Party Line

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