--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Presidential candidates don't chew gum." description: "\"Presidential candidates don't chew gum.\" — Theodore C. Sorensen" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b3/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_candidates_presidential-candidates-don-t-chew-gum-3_3196131.png" --- # Presidential candidates don't chew gum. ![“Presidential candidates don't chew gum.” quote by Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b3/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_candidates_presidential-candidates-don-t-chew-gum-3_3196131.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b3/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_candidates_presidential-candidates-don-t-chew-gum-3_3196131.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b3/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_candidates_presidential-candidates-don-t-chew-gum-3_3196131.png) > “Presidential candidates don't chew gum.” [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Leaders should avoid trivial habits that distract from serious responsibilities. **In simple terms:** Leaders shouldn't waste time on petty habits. Key Takeaway Focus on substance over trivialities. Themes leadership discipline image Mood serious reflective Type advice political When to use this quote - political debates - media interviews - campaign events Key Concepts public perception professionalism Questions to Reflect On - How do small habits affect public trust? - Can a leader’s personal quirks undermine credibility? A Different Perspective Trivial habits may be harmless yet signal lack of seriousness. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [I look for businesses in which I think I can predict what they're going to look like in ten to fifteen years time. Take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-buffett/i-look-for-businesses-in-which-i-think-i-can-predict-what-they-re/) [Warren Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-buffett/) > [For me, the dumbest rule is that you can't chew gum in school.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brie-larson/for-me-the-dumbest-rule-is-that-you-can-t-chew-gum-in-school/) [Brie Larson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brie-larson/) > [The president of the United States actually has to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-edwards/the-president-of-the-united-states-actually-has-to-be-able-to-walk/) [John Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-edwards/) > [I'm here to chew gum and kick some ass, and I'm all out of gum.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-hawking/i-m-here-to-chew-gum-and-kick-some-ass-and-i-m-all-out-of-gum/) [Stephen Hawking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-hawking/) > [Take Wrigley's Chewing Gum. I don't think the Internet is going to change how people chew gum.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-buffett/take-wrigley-s-chewing-gum-i-don-t-think-the-internet-is-going-to/) [Warren Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-buffett/) > [I don't know how people chew gum all day long.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mireille-enos/i-don-t-know-how-people-chew-gum-all-day-long/) [Mireille Enos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mireille-enos/) > [Presidential candidates don't get quite the upward favorable rating surge they used to after their nominating conventions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-caputo/presidential-candidates-don-t-get-quite-the-upward-favorable-rating/) [Michael Caputo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-caputo/) > [There is a lightning quickness to the speed at which candidates can build and accidentally dismantle their own campaigns. If candidates don't figure out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-burton/there-is-a-lightning-quickness-to-the-speed-at-which-candidates-can/) [Bill Burton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-burton/) > [Candidates don't have to deal with reality. They talk about the wonderful things they can accomplish as if advocating them is the same as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fred-barnes/candidates-don-t-have-to-deal-with-reality-they-talk-about-the/) [Fred Barnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fred-barnes/) > [We tend to prefer candidates that don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-palin/we-tend-to-prefer-candidates-that-don-t-talk-about-us-one-way-in/) [Sarah Palin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-palin/) > [I never think it's right to chew gum in front of other people, but a lot of times I'll come in for a meeting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-lawrence/i-never-think-it-s-right-to-chew-gum-in-front-of-other-people-but-a/) [Jennifer Lawrence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-lawrence/) > [“I chew the gum, because I don't trust the universe to fill me up on its own. I can't count on the universe to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melissa-broder/i-chew-the-gum-because-i-don-t-trust-the-universe-to-fill-me-up-on-2/) [Melissa Broder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melissa-broder/) > [I can remember playing under the big wooden desk in his office. My mother didn't like us to chew gum, so we'd go into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-f-kennedy-jr/i-can-remember-playing-under-the-big-wooden-desk-in-his-office-my/) [John F. Kennedy Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-kennedy-jr/) > [“I chew the gum, because I don't trust the universe to fill me up on its own.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melissa-broder/i-chew-the-gum-because-i-don-t-trust-the-universe-to-fill-me-up-on/) [Melissa Broder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melissa-broder/) > [For me, the dumbest rule is that you can't chew gum in school. For some reason, chewing gum for me gets my brain going.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brie-larson/for-me-the-dumbest-rule-is-that-you-can-t-chew-gum-in-school-for-some/) [Brie Larson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brie-larson/) ## More by Theodore C. Sorensen > [If we can but tear the blindfold of self-deception from our eyes and loosen the gag of self-denial from our voices, we can restore…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/if-we-can-but-tear-the-blindfold-of-self-deception-from-our-eyes-and/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [I'm simply saying that there are advantages in sending a skilled diplomat who can always say, 'I'll get back to you on that, Mr.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/i-m-simply-saying-that-there-are-advantages-in-sending-a-skilled/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We have convinced over one billlion members of the Islamic faith that we are prejudiced against their religion, that we would deny them freedom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-have-convinced-over-one-billlion-members-of-the-islamic-faith-that/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Our surest protection against assault from abroad has been not all our guards, gates and guns, or even our two oceans, but our essential…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/our-surest-protection-against-assault-from-abroad-has-been-not-all/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [The ambassador was never present, but his presence was never absent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/the-ambassador-was-never-present-but-his-presence-was-never-absent/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We need not renounce the use of conventional force. We will be ready to repel any clear and present danger that poses a genuine…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-need-not-renounce-the-use-of-conventional-force-we-will-be-ready/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Public opinion rarely considers the needs of the next generation or the history of the last. It is frequently hampered by myths and misinformation,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/public-opinion-rarely-considers-the-needs-of-the-next-generation-or/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [I came from Nebraska, a very middle class family with a progressive father.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/i-came-from-nebraska-a-very-middle-class-family-with-a-progressive/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Number one, that it is smart to communicate and negotiate with your enemy instead of just waging war with bombs and weapons of mass…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/number-one-that-it-is-smart-to-communicate-and-negotiate-with-your/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We will be safer from terrorist attack only when we have earned the respect of all other nations instead of their fear, respect for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-will-be-safer-from-terrorist-attack-only-when-we-have-earned-the/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [I believe in an America in which the fruits of productivity and prosperity are shared by all, by workers as well as owners, by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/i-believe-in-an-america-in-which-the-fruits-of-productivity-and/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [With the help of dedicated Americans from our party, every party, and no party at all, I intend to mount that stairway to preach…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/with-the-help-of-dedicated-americans-from-our-party-every-party-and/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Al Gore is not just whistling in the wind. Global warming is for real. Every scientist knows that now, and we are on our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/al-gore-is-not-just-whistling-in-the-wind-global-warming-is-for-real/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We will always apply the same principles of collective security, prudent caution, and superior weaponry that enabled us to peacefully prevail in the long…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-will-always-apply-the-same-principles-of-collective-security/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Now people all across America are starting to believe in America again. We are coming back, back to the heights of greatness, back to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/now-people-all-across-america-are-starting-to-believe-in-america/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) [Explore all 28 Theodore C. Sorensen quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) ## More Candidates quotes > [There is plenty of time for Republicans to have a Macaca moment. 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There…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-drum/if-robert-heinlein-is-more-to-your-taste-than-george-lucas-if-you-are/) [Kevin Drum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-drum/) > [Given a choice between two bald political candidates, the American people will vote for the less bald of the two.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/victor-gold/given-a-choice-between-two-bald-political-candidates-the-american/) Victor Gold > [Jeb Bush was supposed to be the establishment candidate, but he didn't catch on. And the extraordinary thing about this Republican primary is that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mara-liasson/jeb-bush-was-supposed-to-be-the-establishment-candidate-but-he-didn-t/) [Mara Liasson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mara-liasson/) > [We know the candidate Barack Obama, what he was like - the anti-war government nig... America was a source for division around the world,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-santorum/we-know-the-candidate-barack-obama-what-he-was-like-the-anti-war/) [Rick Santorum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-santorum/) > [It is time Britain put its trust back into the Labour Party. I believe I am the candidate that can make this happen precisely…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-abbott/it-is-time-britain-put-its-trust-back-into-the-labour-party-i-believe/) [Diane Abbott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-abbott/) > [I like candidates who tell me something that is going to make a difference to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-richards/i-like-candidates-who-tell-me-something-that-is-going-to-make-a/) [Ann Richards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-richards/) > [The reason that minorities and women don't have a better shot at getting elected to the Senate or to statewide office is because the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carol-moseley-braun/the-reason-that-minorities-and-women-don-t-have-a-better-shot-at/) [Carol Moseley Braun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carol-moseley-braun/) > [Hillary Clinton is the least popular candidate for president ever except for Donald Trump.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-pickering/hillary-clinton-is-the-least-popular-candidate-for-president-ever/) Charlie Pickering > [I always like to take my time and examine the two candidates, see not only the two candidates but the policies they will bring…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colin-powell/i-always-like-to-take-my-time-and-examine-the-two-candidates-see-not/) [Colin Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-powell/) > [Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has taken American politics by storm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sean-hannity/republican-presidential-candidate-donald-trump-has-taken-american/) [Sean Hannity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sean-hannity/) > [The study of Freemasonry is the study of man as a candidate for a blessed eternity. It furnishes examples of holy living, and displays…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-howard-taft/the-study-of-freemasonry-is-the-study-of-man-as-a-candidate-for-a/) [William Howard Taft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-howard-taft/) Browse all 1,251 Candidates quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Presidential candidates don't chew gum.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Theodore C. 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