"I think Charles Manson was a hair's breath away from just being a terrorist. He wanted to start a war, too"

In this quote, Patty Hearst, an American heiress and former abduct victim, reviews Charles Manson, the well-known cult leader. By stating that Manson was "a hair's breath away from just being a terrorist," Hearst implies that his actions and objectives closely resembled those of a terrorist. She suggests that Manson's desire to prompt a war demonstrates his disposition towards violence and chaos. This contrast highlights the possible risk Manson postured to society and stresses the level of his radical ideology. Hearst's declaration highlights her perception of Manson as an extremely volatile person who was on the verge of dedicating acts of terrorism.