The quote by Gore Vidal, featured in Douglas E. Richards' book "BrainWeb," expresses a critical view of those who seek the presidency in America. Vidal suggests that the mere ambition to run for such a significant position is indicative of a certain unworthiness. This perspective implies that anyone who pursues the highest office may not possess the qualities necessary for effective leadership, thereby questioning the motivations behind their candidacy.
Vidal's statement provokes thought about the nature of political ambition and its implications for democracy. It raises the issue of whether the desire for power corrupts one's ability to serve the public interest. Ultimately, the quote invites reflection on the characteristics that truly qualify a person for presidential leadership and challenges the reader to reconsider the criteria for evaluating political candidates.