Bunch Quote by Chris Matthews
![“The old rule in Massachusetts politics is shape of the field determines the winner. If you have got a whole bunch of hawks, all the way from [Mike] Huckabee all the way across to [Chris]Christie, that covers the spectrum on every other issue, all hawks, all hawks, and one guy out there saying, not…” quote by Chris Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/397/chris-matthews-1682_bunch_the-old-rule-in-massachusetts-politics-i_840787.jpg)
“The old rule in Massachusetts politics is shape of the field determines the winner. If you have got a whole bunch of hawks, all the way from [Mike] Huckabee all the way across to [Chris]Christie, that covers the spectrum on every other issue, all hawks, all hawks, and one guy out there saying, not me, Jimmy Carter won that way back in '76. I know it's 1,000 years ago.”
About This Quote
The quote suggests that political success depends on covering a broad spectrum of positions, with a dominant candidate representing many viewpoints, while an outsider claims past victories.
In simple terms: Winning politics often means representing many views, not just one.
Key Takeaway
Broad appeal can dominate elections.
Themes
politics
strategy
representation
spectrum
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- campaign planning
- policy framing
- voter outreach
- political analysis
Key Concepts
electoral dynamics
party politics
candidate positioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a candidate balance breadth and depth?
- What are the risks of overgeneralizing?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on a narrow base may limit success.
![“It's not enough to keep winning seconds and thirds. At some point, Ted Cruz has actually won on. [Marco] Rubio's got to actually win a state.” quote by Joy-Ann Reid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/111/joy-ann-reid-17681_cruz_it-s-not-enough-to-keep-winning-seconds_2445634.jpg)
![“I think that the candidates who are doing it [not debating] are doing a great disservice to the party. It's a sign of an unhealthy institution.” quote by Chris Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/54b/chris-matthews-1682_candidates_i-think-that-the-candidates-who-are-doin_34506.jpg)
![“I don't sense an [Barack] Obama party. I think politics is transactional for him.” quote by Chris Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a21/chris-matthews-1682_barack_i-don-t-sense-an-barack-obama-party-i-th_84737.jpg)
![“I'm closer to anybody who believes that we should lead not from behind, but from the front. Rand Paul is one step behind, leading from behind. So, yes, even [Barack] Obama is more aggressive. Obama believes you can kill Anwar al-Awlaki without getting a court order.” quote by Chris Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0fe/chris-matthews-1682_aggressive_i-m-closer-to-anybody-who-believes-that_135609.jpg)
