"But to make a long story short, I decided that I was going to run, and I announced that I was going to run for president in Florida, I would be the favorite son from Florida, and that would stop Johnson and Kennedy from dividing up the state"

In this quote, George Smathers states a strategic decision-making minute in his political profession. He begins with the phrase "to make a long story short", indicating he is summarizing a complex series of events or factors to consider for brevity. This suggests that the scenarios causing his decision to run were multifaceted and possibly included complex political calculations or individual considerations.

Smathers then announces his resolution to run, specifying that he aimed to run for the presidency "in Florida". This is noteworthy due to the fact that it highlights Florida as a strategic political setting. By positioning himself as "the preferred son from Florida", Smathers was leveraging his regional popularity and impact. The term "favorite son" describes a political leader who is specifically popular in their home state and can bring significant assistance there, often used to get delegates in political conventions or leverage within party characteristics.

The tail end of the quote, "and that would stop Johnson and Kennedy from dividing up the state", exposes Smathers' tactical intent. Throughout this duration, both Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy were major figures in the Democratic Party. By going into the race, Smathers aimed to combine support within Florida and prevent these nationally prominent candidates from splitting the state's political obligation. This suggests that Smathers either saw himself as a significant sufficient contender to influence such significant political figures or that his candidacy was planned to function as a power play within larger celebration mechanics.

In general, Smathers' quote underscores a determined move within the political chessboard of American elections. It reveals not just his aspiration to increase to national prominence however also his complex understanding of political technique and impact, recommending a deep engagement with both state and national political landscapes.