Cities Quote by Harry S. Truman
“On the one hand, the Republicans are telling industrial workers that the high cost of food in the cities is due to this government's farm policy. On the other hand, the Republicans are telling the farmers that the high cost of manufactured goods on the farm is due to this government's labor policy. That's plain hokum. It's an old political trick: "If you can't convince 'em, confuse 'em." But this time it won't work.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Press Conference, 1948
Political rhetoric often blames opposing groups, creating confusion; the speaker warns that such tactics are ineffective now.
In simple terms: Politicians confuse to distract; it won’t work.
Question narratives that shift blame.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- policy debates
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify genuine policy failures?
- What evidence reveals manipulation?
Complex issues may need nuanced solutions beyond blame.