If Nominated I Will Not Run Quote
The phrase "If Nominated I Will Not Run, If Elected I Will Not Serve" is a famous quote attributed to William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union Army general during the American Civil War. Sherman made this statement in 1884 when he was being considered as a potential presidential candidate for the Republican Party.
Despite the popularity and significance of this quote, there is still some confusion about its meaning and context. In this article, we will explore what the "If Nominated I Will Not Run" quote really means and why it is still relevant today.
The Context of the Quote
In 1884, the Republican Party was divided over who their presidential nominee should be. There were three main contenders: James G. Blaine, a former speaker of the House of Representatives; George F. Edmunds, a senator from Vermont; and John Sherman, a senator from Ohio and brother of William Tecumseh Sherman.
At the time, William Sherman was serving as the commander of the U.S. Army. Despite his lack of political experience, some Republicans believed that he would make a strong presidential candidate because of his military reputation and his popularity with the public.
However, Sherman himself was not interested in running for president. He made this clear in a letter he wrote to a friend in June 1884:
"I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected."
This statement later became known as the "If Nominated I Will Not Run" quote.
The Meaning of the Quote
On the surface, the "If Nominated I Will Not Run" quote seems like a straightforward statement of Sherman's intentions. He was simply saying that he did not want to run for president and that he would not accept the nomination if it was offered to him.
However, there is more to the quote than meets the eye. Sherman was not just expressing his lack of interest in running for office; he was also making a broader statement about the role of the military in politics.
At the time, there was a growing concern among some Americans about the influence of the military in civilian affairs. This was especially true in the South, where many people still remembered the harsh tactics used by Union armies during the Civil War.
Sherman was aware of these concerns, and he wanted to reassure the public that he had no political ambitions and no desire to use his military position for personal gain. By saying that he would not run for president even if nominated, he was sending a message that the military should stay out of politics and focus on its primary mission of defending the country.
The Relevance of the Quote Today
Although the "If Nominated I Will Not Run" quote was made over 130 years ago, its message is still relevant today. In an era of increasing political polarization and distrust of government institutions, there is a growing concern about the role of the military in political affairs.
For example, some people have expressed concern about the influence of retired generals in the Trump administration, such as former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster and former Defense Secretary James Mattis. Critics argue that these officials are blurring the lines between military and civilian authority and undermining democratic norms.
By invoking the "If Nominated I Will Not Run" quote, Americans can remind themselves of the importance of civilian control over the military and the need for military leaders to stay out of politics. This is especially important in a democracy, where the military is supposed to be a servant of the people, not a political actor in its own right.
Conclusion
The "If Nominated I Will Not Run" quote is a powerful statement about the relationship between the military and politics. Although it was made over a century ago, its message is still relevant today, as Americans grapple with the role of the military in our democracy.
As we move forward, we should remember Sherman's words and strive to maintain a clear separation between civilian and military authority. Only by doing so can we preserve the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensure that the military remains a trusted and respected defender of our nation.