Describing Governor Patrick's attitude going into his next term, Globe writers Frank Philips and Michael Levenson use quotes gracefully and cogently to illustrate and cap each point in the article.
(Interestingly, the nut graf is in the headline: "Bruised but emboldened, Patrick maps road ahead." Surely these seasoned reports worked closely with the headline writer in this one.)
The article begins by reminding readers about Patrick's plan in 2007, at the dawn of his first term, to use the grassworks network he had built so effectively during his campaign. Legislators did not like the way Patrick's supporters leaned on them, however, and Patrick backed off. Not this time. Here is the quote:
"I'm not going to listen to that. That's democracy," Patrick said. "And if that's a problem for people, get over it."
Later in the article, Philips and Levenson cover fallout from the campaign. After describing the past relationship between Baker and Patrick, including the fact that Patrick had once asked Baker to be his running mate, the current relationship is wrapped up succinctly with the following from Patrick:
“Charlie’s a prominent, engaged business person,’’ he said. “I’m sure our paths will cross.’’
Pressed to elaborate on the tensions that developed during the campaign, he said: “I have the whole range of human feelings. I just don’t need to comment on all of them publicly."
’Patrick's quote on the gambling issue forms most of the paragraph on this issue, because it requires almost no framing or context:
...because “all the air goes out’’ of Beacon Hill when gambling is being considered. “Nothing else happens,’’ he said. "I still think a limited expansion of gaming, in the destination-resort setting, is good for Massachusetts,’’ Patrick said. “But I’ve got some other stuff I want to move on."
In this disappointing season for Democrats, Patrick offered the following advice for Democrats in future campaigns:
“If there’s a role I can play in encouraging other candidates to run like they’re willing to lose, and to lead like they’re willing to lose reelection, then I’m glad to do that,’’ Patrick said. “But, again, consistent with my day job.’’
This article is well worth reading to get a good lesson in effective use of quotes. It helps, of course, to interview a person who speaks as eloquently as Patrick.
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