In some situations I was difficult, in odd moments impossible, in rare moments loathsome, but at my best unapproachably great.
Oscar LevantRead
The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the perceived similarities in corruption between the two major political parties in the U.S.
Oscar Levant's quote suggests that while both the Democratic and Republican parties engage in corrupt practices, the Democrats are more inclusive in allowing not just the wealthy but also the poor to participate in corrupt behavior. This statement implies that corruption is a universal flaw that transcends socio-economic status, challenging the notion that only one party is responsible for unethical conduct in politics.
In practice
In a debate about political integrity, this quote could emphasize the shared flaws in both parties.
In some situations I was difficult, in odd moments impossible, in rare moments loathsome, but at my best unapproachably great.
When I appeared before the draft board examiner during World War II, he asked me if I thought I could kill. "I don't know about strangers," I replied, "but friends, certainly."
I have no trouble with y enemies. But my god damn friends... they are the ones that keep me walking the floors at night.
I'm a study of a man in chaos in search of frenzy.
I envy people who drink. At least they have something to blame everything on.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.
The government should not be guided by Temporary Excitement, but by Sober Second Thought.
Power must never be trusted without a check.
We must judge a government by its general tendencies and not by its happy accidents.
If there's another 9/11 or a major war in the Middle-East involving a U.S. attack on Iran, I have no doubt that there will be, the day after or within days an equivalent of a Reichstag fire decree that will involve massive detentions in this country.
A day will come when our children and grandchildren will look back and they'll ask one of two questions. Either they will ask: "what in God's name were they doing?" or they may look back and say: "how did they find the uncommon moral courage to rise above politics and redeem the promise of American democracy?"
There's good reason to be excited. You have the first woman running who is qualified, and a very attractive African-American who has demonstrated crossover appeal. I got involved in politics 40 years ago during the civil rights movement, so yes, it's an exciting thing.
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