Money never seems to be interested in strengthening regulatory agencies, for example, but always in subverting them, in making them miss the danger signs in coal mines and in derivatives trading and in deep-sea oil wells.
Thomas FrankRead
This aesthetic quality, then, is what politics is all about. It's authenticity that separates winners from losers, good politics from bad, and he-man leader-types from consultant-directed puppet-boys.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of politics lies in authenticity, distinguishing effective leaders from mere followers or puppets.
In this quote, Thomas Frank emphasizes that the true nature of politics revolves around authenticity. He argues that authentic leaders, with their genuine qualities, achieve success and resonate with people, while those who lack authenticity are viewed as insincere or ineffective, often manipulated by external forces. This perspective highlights the importance of genuine leadership in the realm of politics and how it significantly influences the outcomes of political endeavors.
Themes
AuthenticityPoliticsLeadershipSuccessIneffectiveness
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, a candidate might reference this quote to emphasize their commitment to authenticity in leadership.
More from Thomas Frank
All quotes βMoney has transformed every watchdog, every independent authority. Medical doctors are increasingly gulled by the lobbying of pharmaceutical salesmen.
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Concerns about the size and role of government are what seem to leave reformers stammering and speechless in town-hall meetings. The right wants to have a debate over fundamental principles; elected Democrats seem incapable of giving it to them.
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Corruption is uniquely reprehensible in a democracy because it violates the system's first principle, which we all learned back in the sunshiny days of elementary school: that the government exist to serve the public, not particular companies or individuals or even elected officials.
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Bad government is the natural product of rule by those who believe government is bad.
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Just as the financial crisis has created toxic assets and 'zombie' financial institutions, so has it transformed conservatism into a movement of the living dead.
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