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Blair Quote by Doris Lessing

“I was in New York when Clinton was elected the first time, and everyone I knew was in a state of mad euphoria. I wondered what had happened to my hard-headed friends? Almost everyone I knew was drunk on this great white hope. The next time I was in New York, no one had a good word to say about…” quote by Doris Lessing
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“I was in New York when Clinton was elected the first time, and everyone I knew was in a state of mad euphoria. I wondered what had happened to my hard-headed friends? Almost everyone I knew was drunk on this great white hope. The next time I was in New York, no one had a good word to say about Clinton, but everyone was in love with Hillary. She was the last word. It's all so unreal. Of course, it's no different in England. Here everyone was besotted with Tony Blair. He was a new face. Do people never learn?”

Doris Lessing

About This Quote

Source Memoir: Personal reflections on 1990s US politics, 1992–1996

Observes cyclical political enthusiasm and disillusionment, noting how public sentiment shifts dramatically between leaders and parties.

In simple terms: People swing wildly between hope and disappointment in politics.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the fleeting nature of political fervor.

Themes

politics public opinion media influence celebrity culture

Mood

reflective critical observational

Type

analysis commentary

When to use this quote

  • election cycles
  • campaign rallies
  • media coverage
  • social gatherings

Key Concepts

cognitive bias social contagion identity politics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you notice similar patterns in your own political views?
  • How does media shape collective optimism?
A Different Perspective

Enthusiasm often fades as policies become visible, revealing flaws.

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