"I could think of no worse example..." - Quote by Thomas Jefferson
I could think of no worse example for nations abroad, who for the first time were trying to put free electoral procedures into effect, than that of the United States wrangling over the results of our presidential election, and even suggesting that the presidency itself could be stolen by thievery at the ballot box.
More by Thomas Jefferson
“The same facts impress us differently.”
“I tolerate with the utmost latitude the right of others to differ from me in opinion without imputing to them criminality.”
“I am tired of a life of contention, and of being the personal object for the hatred of every man, who hates the present state of things.”
More on Democracy
“In a democracy only will the freeman of nature design to dwell.”
“Democracy becomes a government of bullies tempered by editors.”
“The question of education has nothing to do with the question of the vote. On numerous occasions it has been proved in history that people can enjoy the vote even if they have no education.”
More on Elections
“Our new election system will spur on all institutions and organizations and will force them to improve their work.”
“I think the American people are sophisticated enough and wise enough to make judgments about the candidates and wade through the charges and countercharges that come with the [election 2004] campaign.”
“I do not deny the possibility that the people may err in an election; but if they do, the true [cure] is in the next election, and not in the treachery of the person elected.”