When I was first elected I got 50% of the vote in '77 in…
“When I was first elected I got 50% of the vote in '77 in the general election. In '81 I got 75%. In '85, I got 78%. No mayor has ever gotten that high a vote. So it was not an issue. Except for people who were very hostile to me. They thought they would injure me.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He highlights his electoral dominance, noting that only hostile opponents threatened him despite overwhelming public support.
In simple terms: He won big margins, only enemies worried about him.
Recognize that success can attract unnecessary hostility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy
- public speaking
- conflict management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle hostility when you are widely supported?
- What measures protect leaders from targeted threats?
Even with high approval, personal safety concerns can arise.