"The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like box tops - is, I think, the ultimate indignity to the democratic process"

Adlai E. Stevenson's quote is a criticism of the method which candidates for high office are marketed and sold to the public. He believes that dealing with candidates like an item, such as breakfast cereal, is an insult to the democratic process. He is suggesting that the public needs to not be swayed by flashy marketing projects, however need to rather concentrate on the policies and credentials of the prospects. He thinks that the public ought to be notified and informed about the prospects, rather than being controlled by clever marketing. He is likewise implying that the public needs to be more critical and not be swayed by superficial elements. Ultimately, Stevenson is advocating for a more thoughtful and educated method to voting, instead of one based on marketing gimmicks.