--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When it comes to politicians, the…" description: "\"“When it comes to politicians, the question is not ‘Are they corrupt?’, but rather ‘How corrupt are they?’.”\" — Steven Magee" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/steven-magee-129_america_when-it-comes-to-politicians-the-questio_1303587.jpg" --- # When it comes to politicians, the question is not ‘Are… ![“When it comes to politicians, the question is not ‘Are they corrupt?’, but rather ‘How corrupt are they?’.” quote by Steven Magee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/steven-magee-129_america_when-it-comes-to-politicians-the-questio_1303587.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/steven-magee-129_america_when-it-comes-to-politicians-the-questio_1303587.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd7/steven-magee-129_america_when-it-comes-to-politicians-the-questio_1303587.jpg) > ““When it comes to politicians, the question is not ‘Are they corrupt?’, but rather ‘How corrupt are they?’.”” [Steven Magee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-magee/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Corruption should be measured on a spectrum, not a binary, to better address systemic issues. **In simple terms:** Corruption is a degree, not a yes/no. Key Takeaway Assess levels of corruption for targeted reform. Themes political ethics systemic analysis accountability Mood critical inquisitive Type analytical political When to use this quote - government audits - corporate governance Key Concepts gradient assessment policy reform Questions to Reflect On - How do you define “how corrupt”? - What metrics reveal corruption levels? A Different Perspective Measuring corruption can be politically contentious. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) [Corruption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/corruption/) [Fraud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fraud/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Politicians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politicians/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Usa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/usa/) ## Related quotes > [Washington is corrupt and corrupt on both sides of the aisle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-searcy/washington-is-corrupt-and-corrupt-on-both-sides-of-the-aisle/) [Nick Searcy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-searcy/) > [“We want to believe that there were better men once. That makes us think it could be that way again. 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