Al Smith Quotes, born Alfred Emanuel Smith on December 30, 1873, in New York City, and died October 4, 1944, was an American politician who served four terms as Governor of New York (1919–1920, 1923–1928) and was the Democratic presidential candidate in 1928, the first Catholic to run for president on a major party ticket. A Tammany Hall figure, Smith championed progressive reforms, workers’ rights, and religious tolerance, earning the nickname “The Happy Warrior.” These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, writings, interviews, and public statements—reflect his views on leadership, democracy, faith, and resilience, infused with his Lower East Side grit and humor.
15 Al Smith Quotes
- “The American people never carry an umbrella. They prepare to walk in eternal sunshine.” (Speech, 1928, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “No sane local official who has hung up an empty stocking over the municipal fireplace is going to shoot Santa Claus just before a hard Christmas.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.” (Speech, 1933, QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “The thing we have to fear in this country, to my way of thinking, is the influence of the organized minorities.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Be simple in words, manner, and gesture, but don’t be a simpleton.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1927)
- “It is a confession of the weakness of our own faith in the best things of our own republic if we run away from a contest.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The country needs leadership that understands the problems of the plain people.” (Campaign speech, 1928, QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “You can’t build a skyscraper on a swamp.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I believe in the absolute separation of church and state, but I don’t believe in the separation of faith from public life.” (Speech, 1928, AllGreatQuotes, n.d.)
- “Nobody shoots at Santa Claus.” (Speech, 1936, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “The best way to help the poor is to make them uncomfortable in their poverty.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “I’d rather be rightmueller’s revolver than the machine gun.” (Speech, 1924, Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Government is not a business; it’s a service.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1926)
- “There’s no substitute for hard work and common sense.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Let’s keep the faith in the people and the people’s faith in the government.” (Speech, 1928, QuoteTab, n.d.)
Al Smith’s quotes are a vibrant mix of wit, pragmatism, and unwavering belief in democracy, inspiring fans to lead with integrity, serve the common good, and face challenges with courage. Which quote resonates with you? Share it below and keep Smith’s legacy of leadership alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
