“I’ve never canceled a subscription to a newspaper because of bad cartoons or editorials. If that were the case, I wouldn’t have any newspapers or magazines to read.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“I’ve never canceled a subscription to a newspaper because of bad cartoons or editorials. If that were the case, I wouldn’t have any newspapers or magazines to read.”
Explanation
This quote reveals Richard Nixon’s tolerance for opposing views in the media, despite his often adversarial relationship with the press. By stating that he never canceled subscriptions over “bad cartoons or editorials,” Nixon acknowledges that disagreement with the press is inevitable, especially for a public figure. The quote is laced with dry humor—“I wouldn’t have any newspapers or magazines to read”—implying that critical coverage was so frequent that avoiding it altogether would leave him uninformed.
The historical context is especially important. Nixon often clashed with the media, famously compiling an “enemies list” that included journalists. However, this quote presents a more reflective or even self-deprecating side, suggesting that he understood the necessity of a free press, even when it targeted him harshly. It indicates a grudging respect for the role of journalism in a democratic society, even if he privately resented its scrutiny.
In modern application, the quote speaks directly to current debates around media bias, cancel culture, and ideological echo chambers. Rather than withdrawing from platforms or publications due to disagreement, Nixon’s stance promotes intellectual resilience and the value of dissenting voices. In an age where people increasingly tailor their news to fit their beliefs, the quote encourages maintaining exposure to diverse perspectives—even uncomfortable ones—as a hallmark of informed citizenship.
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