American politics Quote by Keith Olbermann
“And if Sarah Palin whose Web site put and today scrubbed bull's-eyes targets on 20 Representatives, including Gabby Giffords, does not repudiate her own part - however tangential - in amplifying violence and violent imagery in American politics, she must be dismissed from politics. She must be repudiated by the members of her own party. And if they fail to do so, each one of them must be judged to have silently defended this tactic that today proved so awfully foretelling. And they must in turn be dismissed by the responsible members of their own party.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: MSNBC Commentary, 2007
Political leaders must be held accountable for endorsing or failing to condemn violent rhetoric, or they risk legitimizing violence.
In simple terms: Leaders should reject violent language to prevent its spread.
Key Takeaway
Demand accountability from politicians.
Themes
politics
responsibility
violence
accountability
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- party meetings
- media interviews
- public statements
Key Concepts
media influence
ethical leadership
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- Should political parties police their members' rhetoric?
- How does violent language affect public perception?
A Different Perspective
Opponents may argue free speech protects such statements.
![“On so many levels [S.E. Cupp]’s a perfect demonstration of the necessity of the work Planned Parenthood does.” quote by Keith Olbermann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a98/keith-olbermann-10325_demonstration_on-so-many-levels-s-e-cupp-s-a-perfect-d_133079.jpg)
![“What would you do, sir, if terrorists were killing 45,000 people every year in this country? Well, the current health care system, the insurance companies, and those who support them are doing just that. [...] Because they die individually because of disease and not disaster, [radio host] Neal…” quote by Keith Olbermann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ce9/keith-olbermann-10325_america_what-would-you-do-sir-if-terrorists-were_411513.jpg)
