Dodge Quote by Larry Speakes
“I would dodge, not lie, in the national interest.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: White House Press Briefing, 1985
The speaker prefers evasion over falsehood to protect national security, suggesting truth can be harmful in sensitive contexts.
In simple terms: Avoid lying, but sometimes dodge questions for security reasons.
Choose discretion over deception when stakes are high.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government briefings
- diplomatic negotiations
- media interviews
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to with a question?
- How does evasion affect public confidence?
Dodging may erode trust and credibility over time.