Meaning: This quote by Max Lerner, a prominent American journalist and educator, offers an insightful perspective on the assessment of a president's effectiveness. The statement suggests that a president's true impact and effectiveness can be gauged by the adversaries he makes when he is operating at the peak of his authority and influence. In essence, Lerner contends that the ability to provoke opposition and resistance from powerful adversaries indicates that a president is making significant and consequential decisions that challenge the status quo.

When analyzing this quote, it is important to consider the broader context of American politics and the historical significance of presidential leadership. Throughout the history of the United States, many presidents have faced fierce opposition and hostility from various quarters when they pursued bold and transformative agendas. These conflicts often arise when a president's policies and actions challenge entrenched interests, longstanding norms, or powerful factions within the political landscape.

The quote suggests that the measure of a president's impact should not be solely based on the support and adulation he receives, but also on the resistance and enmity he encounters. Lerner's assertion implies that a president's ability to provoke opposition signifies that he is taking decisive action and making consequential choices that disrupt established power structures and provoke significant reactions from those who are impacted by his decisions.

Moreover, the quote implies that a president's effectiveness is closely linked to his willingness to confront powerful adversaries and to advance policies that may be unpopular with certain segments of society. This perspective aligns with the idea that genuine leadership often involves making tough decisions that may provoke opposition but are ultimately in the best interest of the nation as a whole.

In practice, the quote by Max Lerner can be applied to various presidential administrations throughout history. For instance, presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ronald Reagan faced vehement opposition and criticism from entrenched interests and political adversaries when they pursued ambitious policy agendas. The resistance they encountered serves as a testament to the transformative nature of their leadership and the significant impact of their decisions on the political and social fabric of the nation.

Furthermore, the quote also underscores the notion that a president's legacy is shaped not only by his supporters and allies, but also by the adversaries he confronts and the challenges he overcomes. It suggests that the ability to provoke strong reactions and opposition is indicative of a president's ability to effect meaningful change and to leave a lasting imprint on the course of history.

In conclusion, Max Lerner's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the assessment of a president's impact and effectiveness. It emphasizes the importance of considering the adversaries a president provokes as a measure of his influence and the significance of his decisions. By examining the historical context of presidential leadership and the impact of transformative policies, it becomes evident that the ability to provoke opposition is a crucial element in evaluating a president's legacy and the enduring impact of his leadership.