sound-bite

[mei]

Hi,

Could anyone help me with the following sentence? I don't quite understand.


A senior politician is only ever a sound-bite away from destruction.

Thanks a lot.

[RonBee]

A senior politician is only ever a sound-bite away from destruction.

That means that anything he says -- if it is the wrong thing -- could do him in politically. A "sound bite" is a brief statement of the kind used on television news programs.

8)

[Tdol]

Recently, Trent Lott, a major American politican, made a joke that was interpreted as racist. It ruined his career and led to his resignation. One false step and a politician can be finished. A British politician was described by a colleague as having 'something of the night' about him. His career was badly damaged and he has had to live with that comment ever since.

[RonBee]

Recently, Trent Lott, a major American politican, made a joke that was interpreted as racist. It ruined his career and led to his resignation. One false step and a politician can be finished. A British politician was described by a colleague as having 'something of the night' about him. His career was badly damaged and he has had to live with that comment ever since.

While Mr. Lott did resign his post as Majority Leader, he is still a U.S. Senator. However he intended his remarks, they did get him in hot water. It was a big flap for a while.

8)

[Tdol]

It's quite a step down for him. It just shows how a single sentence, or even word, can finish a politician.