Accused Quote by Jeff Greenfield
“When an office-holder facing a multi-count indictment says that he has decided to spend more time with his family, the proper response is a horse-laugh. When an accused politician explains that a charge of corruption is 'really' an attack on his or her race, religion, ethnic background or gender, the odds that something felonious happened jumps.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Political Commentary, Jeff Greenfield, 2018
Politicians use personal excuses to deflect serious allegations, revealing a pattern of evasive rhetoric.
In simple terms: Excuses mask wrongdoing.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind statements.
Themes
politics
accountability
media
evasion
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
political
critical
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- legal investigations
- public discourse
Key Concepts
rhetoric
public relations
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do leaders resort to personal narratives?
- How does media scrutiny affect political honesty?
A Different Perspective
Excuses can erode public trust.
