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The first and most essential quality of a presidential…

“The first and most essential quality of a presidential candidate, as Averell Harriman once pointed out, is that he should lust for the job - he should want it more than all things, with a passion surpassing all emotion and probably even all principle.” quote by Theodore H. White
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““The first and most essential quality of a presidential candidate, as Averell Harriman once pointed out, is that he should lust for the job - he should want it more than all things, with a passion surpassing all emotion and probably even all principle.””

Theodore H. White

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A presidential candidate must desire the office more than anything, driven by intense passion that outweighs emotion and principle.

In simple terms: Candidates need overwhelming desire for the role.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate deep passion for leadership.

Themes

politics ambition leadership

Mood

determined intense

Type

political motivational

When to use this quote

  • campaigns
  • career decisions
  • public service
  • personal ambition

Key Concepts

motivation ethical tension

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you prioritize desire over principle?
  • How can passion be balanced with ethics?
A Different Perspective

Passion may blind ethical judgment.

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