Attention Quote by William Kristol
![“[Among conservatives] there's been too much pseudo-populism, almost too much concern and attention for, quote, 'the people'… After all, we conservatives are on the side of the lords and barons… We...are pulling up the drawbridge against the peasants.” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a9/william-kristol-9091_attention_among-conservatives-there-s-been-too-muc_2254460.jpg)
“[Among conservatives] there's been too much pseudo-populism, almost too much concern and attention for, quote, 'the people'… After all, we conservatives are on the side of the lords and barons… We...are pulling up the drawbridge against the peasants.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, 2010s
The quote critiques modern conservatism for adopting populist rhetoric while still protecting elite interests, likening it to nobles defending a bridge from commoners.
In simple terms: Conservatives claim to support people but protect elites.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address the gap between rhetoric and policy.
Themes
politics
elitism
populism
conservatism
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- policy debates
- media analysis
- public protests
Key Concepts
class dynamics
political rhetoric
power structures
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish genuine populist policies from elite protection?
- What evidence shows conservatives acting against common interests?
A Different Perspective
The statement may oversimplify diverse conservative views.
![“In any case, open-seat presidential elections like 2008 just are different in character from incumbent reelects, and I think that's the most important thing about this election - is that once there's an incumbent running for reelection, most of the debate is about, "Has he [Barack Obama] done a…” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/william-kristol-9091_acceptable_in-any-case-open-seat-presidential-elect_36353.jpg)
![“It's been an unusual election [2016].” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/61b/william-kristol-9091_election_it-s-been-an-unusual-election-2016-91528_91528.jpg)
![“Republican Congressmen and senators will be in a very interesting place, where they have to support the president-elect - president - what will be President [Donald] Trump when they - when they agree with him, try to guide him in certain ways, I think oppose him on some things.” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa0/william-kristol-9091_agree_republican-congressmen-and-senators-will_195825.jpg)
![“There are a few things [Donald Trump] has been pretty clear he'll do. A big infrastructure program that he'll get bipartisan support for.” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/william-kristol-9091_bigs_there-are-a-few-things-donald-trump-has_278541.jpg)
![“First of all, legally, it's hard to do these things[ get rid of ObamaCare]. Donald Trump needs a lot of competent people.” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/william-kristol-9091_competent_first-of-all-legally-it-s-hard-to-do-the_386024.jpg)
![“I think that's what's - one of the things that is alarming to me is [Donald] Trump, and I think Trump supporters seem to believe, he won, huge upset, full credit to him, and has got the wind at his back. And Republicans on The Hill do want him to succeed, obviously, and they're deferring to him…” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a29/william-kristol-9091_believe_i-think-that-s-what-s-one-of-the-things_441583.jpg)
![“I'm disappointed, depressed, and demoralized. [...] It is very hard to avoid the conclusion that President Bush flinched from a fight on constitutional philosophy. Miers is undoubtedly a decent and competent person. But her selection will unavoidably be judged as reflecting a combination of…” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/757/william-kristol-9091_capitulation_i-m-disappointed-depressed-and-demoraliz_442746.jpg)
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
