For those that don't know who he is... He died in 1968 (so no, this quote is not about is not about Bush Jr. or even Clinton) and most famous for writing "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men."
"The President must be greater than anyone else, but not better than anyone else. We subject him and his family to close and constant scrutiny and denounce them for things that we ourselves do every day. A Presidential slip of the tongue, a slight error in judgment—social, political, or ethical—can raise a storm of protest. We give the President more work than a man can do, more responsibility than a man should take, more pressure than a man can bear. We abuse him often and rarely praise him. We wear him out, use him up, eat him up. And with all this, Americans have a love for the President that goes beyond loyalty or party nationality; he is ours, and we exercise the right to destroy him."
2007-05-06 13:15:47 · 21 answers · asked by TJ815 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
great quote. i like the part about how we denounce the president for things we do ourselves everyday. all of it is very true
2007-05-06 13:19:55 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick H 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that quote was true when Steinbeck was alive.
I don't think the office is respected as much as it once was and it's a shame. I think a man like Bush has done a lot to bring down the opinion of the office, not just here but worldwide and it's going to take a very special person regardless of party to restore the office, if that's even possible.
George is no way smarter, his family is no way more ethical and he's in no way a hard worker. He's become a disease that the country must suffer through, and hopefully somehow come out stronger in spite of.
2007-05-06 13:23:10 · answer #2 · answered by Lori 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a very astute statement.
Although I think some things have changed with time. For instant. " slight error in judgment—social, political, or ethical—can raise a storm of protest." Would have kept Clinton out of office for the mere fact of his womanizing. That alone ruined many a political's career alone.
Otherwise I think the quote holds true today.
2007-05-06 13:21:13 · answer #3 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Steinbeck was a giant. I'd make him required reading for anyone, but especially diehard cons.
Some folks tried to ban "The Grapes of Wrath," claiming it was obscene, lol.
He was screened by Army Intelligence during World War II to determine his suitability for an officer's commission.
Yet, he was accused by extreme leftists of insufficient ideological commitment to Socialism.
Go figure.
2007-05-06 13:34:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Here's another quote, but not from Steinbeck:
"And to the C students, I say, you too, can be president of the United States...."
2007-05-06 13:30:48 · answer #5 · answered by O'Faolain 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting with some truth in it. The last part about Americans loving the President no longer applies.
2007-05-06 13:20:28 · answer #6 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Very strong thoughts. True. Seems as if Steinbeck had sympathy for the president.
2007-05-06 13:22:18 · answer #7 · answered by Penny 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nice quote. Did you realize he wrote this while serving as an advisor to Lyndon B. Johnson?
2007-05-06 13:26:27 · answer #8 · answered by lesroys 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it totally makes up what the whole situation and relationship between president and people is.
2007-05-06 13:23:20 · answer #9 · answered by man of questions 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He was a drunk and did a lot of his best work in a barn right here in Arkansas
2007-05-06 13:22:08 · answer #10 · answered by Gypsy Gal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋