Political Quotes

Teddy Roosevelt: “A public man who directly or indirectly breaks the eighth commandment is just as guilty as an editor or a speaker who…”

On the record
A public man who directly or indirectly breaks the eighth commandment is just as guilty as an editor or a speaker who breaks the ninth, and it matters little whether the fault be due to venality in the one case or to morbid vanity and mean envy in the other.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

He equates the moral failings of public figures with those of the media, emphasizing accountability.

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More from Teddy Roosevelt

Nov 4, 1912

Like all other good citizens, I accept the result with entire good humor and contentment.

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Oct 13, 1912

I want every labor man, every labor leader, every organized union man, to take the lead in denouncing crime or violence.

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