"And what does reward virtue? You think the communist commissar rewards virtue? You think a Hitler rewards virtue? You think, excuse me, if you'll pardon me, American presidents reward virtue? Do they choose their appointees on the basis of the virtue of the people appointed or on the basis of their political clout?"

This quote suggests that the speaker, Milton Friedman, is skeptical of the concept that virtue is rewarded in political systems. He questions whether communist, fascist, or even democratic leaders genuinely reward people based upon their virtue or merit. Rather, he suggests that political visits are typically influenced by elements such as political connections and impact.