Builds Quote by Lloyd Cutler
“I think the President himself is a remarkably intelligent, decent, ethical man. I think he did very well, but I think the job builds up over expectations which all candidates contribute to including this President that simply cannot be fulfilled.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Testimony before Senate Judiciary Committee, 1995
The president is praised for intelligence and ethics, yet the role’s expectations are unrealistic and unfulfillable for any office holder.
In simple terms: A president can be good but the job’s expectations are impossible.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of any leader’s capacity.
Themes
leadership
expectations
politics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government service
- public expectations
- policy making
- media scrutiny
Key Concepts
ethical standards
institutional pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we set realistic expectations for leaders?
- What mechanisms can balance ambition and feasibility?
A Different Perspective
Even a capable president cannot meet every demand.
![“That's where the outrage should be, not old news, but the fact that we are preparing for the transfer of power. and we have been working with President [Barack] Obama, hand in glove, and I think that they - including the president - should step up and get his people in line and tell them to grow…” quote by John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b0e/john-lewis-1310_accepting_that-s-where-the-outrage-should-be-not-o_2961928.jpg)
