Politics determines who has the power, not who has the truth.
Interpretation
Power in politics is decided by authority, not by factual correctness.
This quote by Paul Krugman suggests that in the realm of politics, the distribution of power is often influenced by political maneuvering and authority rather than by an objective truth. It highlights the disparity between what is true and what is accepted or enacted in political spheres, pointing towards the subjective nature of political power dynamics.
In practice
In a discussion on political campaigns, one might cite this quote to emphasize how power dynamics overshadow factual evidence.
Our popular economics writers, however, are not in the business of giving their readers a ringside seat on the research action; with no exception I can think of, they use their books to do an end run around the normal structure of scholarship, to preach ideas that few serious economists share. Often, these ideas are not just at odds with the professional consensus; they are demonstrably wrong, and sometimes terminally silly. But they sound good to the unwary reader.
The raw fact is that every successful example of economic development this past century ... has taken place via globalization.
Wealthy Americans who benefit hugely from a system rigged in their favor react with hysteria to anyone who points out just how rigged the system is.
It’s not about the budget; it’s about the power...So will the attack on unions succeed? I don’t know. But anyone who cares about retaining government of the people by the people should hope that it doesn’t.
The economics profession went astray because economists, as a group, mistook beauty, clad in impressive-looking mathematics, for truth.
The goal in the end is not to win elections. The goal is to change society.
Make sure your son and daughter understands they don't get to decide when or where they go to war. It is rich, predominantly white men in the House and Senate that have the power to send children of other parents - but not their own children - off to die [and] be injured in a senseless war.
The world will not accept dictatorship or domination.
If we’re going to have arguments, let’s have arguments — but let’s make them debates worthy of this body and worthy of this country.
Corruption has reached an unacceptable level. It devours resources that could be devoted to the citizens. It impedes the proper carrying out of market rules and penalizes the honest and capable.
I have never regarded politics as the arena of morals. It is the arena of interest.
Trouble is, we call politics a game, but it isn't one. There is no referee, and the teams make up the rules as they go along. You can't cry foul or offside in politics. Almost anything goes.
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