Election repartee

 

With an election imminent, here’s my favourite piece of campaigning repartee, from John Wilkes, the 18^th century radical and troublemaker:

Wilkes, to voter, “May I count on your support?”

Disgruntled gentleman, “I would rather vote for the Devil, sir!”

Wilkes, “Yes, of course. But what if your friend isn’t running?”

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Wilkes's most famous riposte was to Lord Sandwich (he of the snack of the same name):

Sandwich: "Wilkes, you will infallibly perish either of the pox or on the gallows!"

Wilkes: "That will depend, my lord, on whether I embrace your principles or your mistress."