The art of thinking before speaking is, sadly, sometimes forgotten. Whatever side of the political spectrum you find yourself on, it’s fair to say that pretty much all political leaders have made comments and statements that were probably best kept to themselves. Here are 13 of the most controversial statements made by political leaders in the last century.
“When the President does it, that means it’s not illegal.” – Richard Nixon
This quote is famously attributed to Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. He made this statement during an interview with journalist David Frost in 1977, several years after his resignation from the presidency. This statement is often cited in discussions of the Watergate scandal, which led to Nixon’s resignation in 1974.
“The best way to get something done if you hold it near and dear to you that you…uh…like to be able to…uh…anyway.” – Joe Biden
This quote was said by Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, and it was spoken during a town hall meeting on February 16, 2021. This quote is often cited as an example of President Biden’s tendency to sometimes pause or stumble over his words during speeches, which has been observed throughout his political career.
“We will go through them like a hot knife through butter.” -Margaret Thatcher
This quote was famously used by Margaret Thatcher, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was known for her strong and assertive leadership style. When making this comment, she was referring to the Falklands War.
“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world, the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” – Bertrand Russell
This quote can be attributed to Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher and political activist. Russell’s quote highlights a cognitive bias known as the Dunning-Kruger effect. This effect suggests that people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability, while those with high ability tend to underestimate themselves. The less you know about a subject, the more you may overestimate your competence, while those who are genuinely experts are more aware of the vast knowledge they don’t yet possess. Sadly, this is often the case in politics.
“The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.” – Donald Trump
Donald Trump has had his fair share of awkward comments. Here, he suggests that the idea of global warming, or climate change, is not a real environmental concern but rather a fabricated concept created by the Chinese. This statement was made on November 6, 2012, via his Twitter account before he became the President of the United States.
“Read my lips: no new taxes.” – George H. W. Bush
This statement was made by American presidential candidate George H. W. Bush at the 1988 Republican National Convention as he accepted the nomination on August 18. Written by speechwriter Peggy Noonan, the line was the most prominent sound bite from the speech.
“I love the poorly educated.” – Donald Trump
This comment was made during a victory speech after winning the Nevada Republican caucuses in February 2016. This statement was widely reported and became a notable part of his 2016 presidential campaign. In the context of the speech, Trump was expressing gratitude and support for a specific segment of his supporters, which he referred to as “the poorly educated.”
“The only way to deal with these people is to shoot them.” – Rodrigo Duterte
Rodrigo Duterte, the President of the Philippines, has been associated with controversial statements and policies, particularly concerning his approach to dealing with the drug trade and criminals in his country. He has made statements that have been widely criticized for their aggressive and often violent language.
“I am the Jesus Christ of politics.” – Silvio Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy, made this comment during an event in 2006, and it was widely reported in the media. Berlusconi was known for his flamboyant and sometimes controversial statements, and this particular quote reflects his self-confidence and charismatic persona in the realm of Italian politics.
“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” – Ronald Reagan
This comment is attributed to Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. It encapsulates his perspective on the role of government in the economy, particularly his belief in limited government intervention and a preference for free-market principles.
“You’re not Black if you don’t vote for me.” – Joe Biden
This comment was made during an interview in May 2020 and received significant attention. He said, “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.”
This statement was widely criticized because it was seen as making assumptions about the political preferences of Black voters based on their racial identity. Many people found it to be dismissive and offensive. Biden later apologized for the comment, acknowledging that it was not appropriate.
“Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids.” Joe Biden
Joe Biden made this statement during a campaign event in August 2019. It was widely reported and received attention in the media. Some criticized Biden’s statement for its wording, as it implied that poor kids and white kids were separate groups when he likely meant to convey that all children, regardless of their economic background or race, are equally talented and capable.
“Mexicans are rapists.” – Donald Trump
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, made a controversial statement about Mexicans during his presidential campaign in 2015. He said, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
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