The Congressman Who Preferred Silence
Incumbent W. E. La Follette justifies his legislative record in a direct address to the Fourth District.
I am announcing myself as a candidate for re-election to the office of representative in congress for the fourth district of Washington. I have tried faithfully to represent my constituents since I have been a member of the house of representatives. I am human and no more immune from the making of mistakes than the general average of mankind. There have been many momentous questions before the congress of the United States since I have been a member. I have always gone on the principle, and still believe I am right, that he who talks the least in congress usually serves his country best. The real work is done in committee; the talk on the floor is mostly for home consumption, and but few votes are made or changed by debates on the floor.
“He who talks the least in congress usually serves his country best.”
La Follette's 1916 defense of 'behind-the-scenes' committee work versus performative floor speeches echoes the modern frustration with legislative gridlock and the performative nature of national political messaging.
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