Meaning: This quote by Hamilton Jordan, a prominent political strategist and civil servant, touches on the practicality of winning an election. To fully grasp the meaning behind the quote, it's essential to understand the context in which it was made and the nuances of electoral politics.

In this quote, Jordan is emphasizing the point that winning an election isn't necessarily about securing the majority of the vote. Instead, it's about obtaining a significant portion of the vote, even if it falls well below 50 percent. He highlights the fact that in many political races, particularly those with multiple candidates or parties, winning with a relatively modest percentage of the vote can still lead to a successful outcome.

The concept of not needing to secure a majority of the vote is particularly relevant in systems with multiple candidates or proportional representation, where victory can be achieved with a smaller share of the overall vote. This approach reflects the pragmatic nature of electoral politics, where candidates aim to secure enough support to emerge victorious, rather than seeking an overwhelming mandate from the electorate.

Jordan's quote underscores the idea that in the competitive arena of politics, success can be achieved by focusing on a specific target percentage of the vote. By acknowledging that winning 36, 37, or 38 percent of the vote can be sufficient, he conveys the strategic mindset required to navigate the complexities of electoral contests.

This perspective is significant in the context of coalition building and strategic alliances, where political actors may seek to form partnerships or alliances to collectively secure the necessary percentage of the vote for victory. In such scenarios, the focus shifts from attaining an absolute majority to strategically positioning oneself to garner a significant share of the vote within a competitive field.

Furthermore, the quote speaks to the pragmatic realities of electoral campaigns, where candidates must carefully allocate resources and efforts to target specific voter segments and demographics. By acknowledging that victory can be achieved without securing the majority, Jordan's quote underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics of the electoral landscape and strategically positioning a campaign to appeal to a significant portion of the electorate.

In a broader sense, this quote also touches on the concept of political pragmatism and the strategic calculation inherent in electoral politics. It recognizes that success in elections is not solely determined by the raw number of votes, but rather by the ability to mobilize and consolidate support within a competitive electoral environment.

Overall, Hamilton Jordan's quote encapsulates the strategic mindset necessary for navigating electoral contests, emphasizing the practicality of winning with a significant but not overwhelming share of the vote. It serves as a reminder of the nuanced nature of electoral politics and the strategic considerations that underpin successful electoral campaigns.