Believe Quote by Howard Zinn
“Sometimes the difference between two candidates is an important one in the immediate sense, and then I believe trying to get somebody into office, who is a little better, who is less dangerous, is understandable. But never forgetting that no matter who gets into office, the crucial question is not who is in office, but what kind of social movement do you have. Because if you have a powerful social movement, it doesn't matter who is in office.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Political Strategy, 1995
The impact of a social movement outweighs any individual office holder; a strong movement can shape outcomes regardless of who is elected.
In simple terms: Social movements matter more than leaders.
Build and sustain movements, not just win elections.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- elections
- grassroots organizing
- policy advocacy
- community mobilization
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What values should a movement uphold?
- How can movements stay resilient after leadership changes?
A strong movement can be co-opted or lose focus.