Giannini: Politicians Take Heed, Your Words May Come Back to Haunt You

Giannini: Politicians Take Heed, Your Words May Come Back to Haunt You

The "Donald" has released yet another statement on Monday saying, " I don't see how there is any room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the statement I made on June 16th during my Presidential speech..... "The  Mexican government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States, they are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, rapists etc.  Donald Trump is certainly not holding back with his comments on immigration and illegals.  These continued remarks have led NBC, Univision, and Macy's to sever there ties with Trump who is now second In New Hampshire.  While many may find his remarks offensive, there are also many who like what the "The Trumpster" has to say.  It remains to be seen if he holds the trump card to the Republican nomination.  He certainly isn't backing down in a crowded field of candidates in what certainly promises to be a campaign full of "just saying" remarks.

This is just the beginning of notorious quotes by politicians and it is not the first time a  politician's quote came back to bite them in the butt. There has been a history of quotes that other politicians have made over the years that left Americans shaking their heads. So hold on to your straw hats everyone and get the popcorn ready for what will be an interesting and entertaining political season full of memorable quotes.

Infamous Quotes

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One quote Americans will not forget was George W. Bush's famous words:  "Read my lips, no new taxes," which he stated  when he accepted the Republican nomination in 1988. Of course he reneged on this promise in 1990 and this became a famous quote during the 1992 presidential election.  Bill Clinton took those several words and rode them all the way to the White House. One thing we all know Is that politicians are suppose to keep their word.  But how many do?  The quickest way to lose an election is to go back on your word to the people. No doubt that broken promise by George W. Bush  helped Bill Clinton in his presidential election.

Speaking of Bill Clinton, he had a whopper of a quote, too. We still hear those famous words today: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."  What a time that was for America. A well liked American President was basically on the hook for having a sexual affair with a young intern.  Of course we all know that young intern was Monica Lewinsky who recently is traveling around the country making speeches to young women about her life experiences. Forgive me, but I'd much rather hear a speech from a woman veteran who served our country with honor.  And as for former Bill Clinton's memorable quote,  it is still being joked about today and who knows if it will be brought up again in Hillary's Presidential run. I guess you can say Karma is alive and well in politics because it has a way of catching up with politicians.

The Watergate scandal set the country on fire as then President Nixon stated in 1973,"I am not a crook."  These infamous words came back to haunt him as the Watergate scandal unfolded. I can still see him standing with his two hands up in a victory and peace sign. The country never forgave Nixon for covering up Watergate and he lost his Presidency in disgrace. Another sad example of a President speaking words that he would live to regret.

It's not so long ago that we all can remember Sarah Palin's candidacy as the Vice Presidential running mate of John McCain, In 2008. The Press and comedians seemed to have a special affection for embarrassing Governor Palin. And she gave them plenty of material.

One Palin quote was about Russia. Palin said "They're our next-door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska." That quote was turned into an iconic satire on Saturday night Live by Tina Fey when she mimicked Palin saying: " I can see Russia from my house," shedding criticism on Sarah Palin's foreign policy credentials. This quote took shape over the election and became notorious as the Democrats started to question Palin's knowledge of foreign affairs. John McCain had no way to control her and he couldn't make up for the political satires that occurred during that election.  However, her remarks about special needs children were both touching and heartfelt and I respected her honesty and stamina in that regard.

One of the most surprising statements made came from Vice President Joe Biden at a September 2008 town hall meeting in Nashua New Hampshire. Biden said " Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more than I to be Vice President of the United States of America, quite frankly, it might have been a better pick than me."  Well, you can be sure if Biden even thinks  of running for President, that quote would be plastered in every sign from here to Timbuktu.  And it is  probably one of the most selfless remarks a politician could make.  Biden is well liked and known for his blunt candor and loyalty to friends, something that is rare in politics.

Advice

Maybe politicians should take the advice of  Abraham Lincoln who said: " It  is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to speak and remove all doubt."  This is one of my favorite quotes and politicians should take heed.

To some politicians words may be just words and promises may be just promises.  But in politics your words and promises always mean something to someone.  Choose wisely politicos before you speak because your words may come back to haunt you and change your game plan.  And remember someone is always listening and waiting to write about it.

 So batten down the hatches and let the games begin. On to November 2016!!

Joanne Giannini served as a RI State Representative from Providence from 1994 to 2010. She has previously written commentaries for the Providence Journal and the Federal Hill Gazette. During her tenure in the General Assembly, she made appearances on CNN, Primetime News, and American Morning regarding legislation she filed in Rhode Island.