Asking Quote by James Bovard
“We are asking the wrong question. The issue is not who should be trusted with all the power of the Presidency. Instead, we must ask how much power any candidate can be trusted with.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commentary on Presidential Power, James Bovard, 2020
The focus should shift from who holds power to how much power any leader can responsibly wield.
In simple terms: Ask how much power a candidate can be trusted with.
Evaluate limits on executive authority.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- policy debates
- public hearings
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure balanced power?
- How can voters assess a candidate’s restraint?
Power concentration can still occur even with limits.