"A liberal is a person who believes that water can be made to run uphill. A conservative is someone who believes everybody should pay for his water. I'm somewhere in between: I believe water should be free, but that water flows downhill"

Theodore White's quote is a humorous way of describing the distinctions between liberals and traditionalists. He suggests that liberals are optimistic and think that anything is possible, while traditionalists are much more useful and think that everyone should spend for what they use. White himself is someplace in between, believing that water should be free, however that it will certainly constantly move downhill. This quote is a brilliant means of showing the distinctions between the two political ideologies, while also highlighting White's own ideas. It suggests that while both sides have valid points, there is a middle ground that can be gotten to. Inevitably, it is a reminder that concession is possible and that it is essential to take into consideration different viewpoints.