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Chiefs Quote by Christopher Hitchens

“Haven't we all heard some irritating person saying that if so-and-so is elected, then he/she is absolutely definitely leaving the country? There must be some reason why it is mainly liberals who tend to say this, but the chief thing to note about the promise is that it is usually an empty one.” quote by Christopher Hitchens
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“Haven't we all heard some irritating person saying that if so-and-so is elected, then he/she is absolutely definitely leaving the country? There must be some reason why it is mainly liberals who tend to say this, but the chief thing to note about the promise is that it is usually an empty one.”

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Spectator, 2004

He critiques the tendency of some liberals to make absolute, often empty, promises about political outcomes.

In simple terms: Empty political promises.

Key Takeaway

Question absolute claims.

Themes

politics rhetoric ideology

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

  • campaign speeches
  • debates
  • media commentary
  • public policy

Key Concepts

promise fatigue political discourse

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people cling to certainty?
  • What are the risks of empty promises?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex issues.

4.9 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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