Even in the grimmest of enterprises there are tension…
““Even in the grimmest of enterprises there are tension breakers. At one point, the tabloid National Enquirer ran a story headlined “Bush and Saddam Are Cousins” and offered genealogical “proof” that not only was George Bush related to the queen of England, but “Hussein and President Bush share a common ancestry dating back at least to the crusades.” This news prompted the President to circulate a memo to the national security team that said, “No decisions I make will be affected by my relationship with Saddam Hussein. The Queen and I would have it no other way.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even absurd rumors can be dismissed with confident denial, yet they may still influence perception.
In simple terms: Dismisses wild claims confidently.
Stay factual despite sensationalism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- campaigns
- press relations
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you address misinformation?
- When is transparency more effective than denial?
Denial may not fully counteract rumor spread.