Daniels' Favorite Non-Answer

When asked for his 2012 plans, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels likes to repeat a favorite quote of his. But even he might be surprised at the original source.

When reporters ask Mitch Daniels if he will run in 2012, he has an answer that he likes to give:

A man said: when I consider my opportunities I marvel at my self-restraint.

He said that today at AEI and he’s also used it before in an interview with National Journal.

Daniels might want to re-think using that quote when he considers the source.

The quote originally came from Major-General Robert Clive, who is credited with securing English dominance of India in the mid-18th century.

When Robert Clive was accused of corruption after the successful Battle of Plassey and the conquest of Bengal, he defended his actions declaring:

Consider the situation in which the victory at Plassey had placed me. A great prince was dependent on my pleasure; an opulent city lay at my mercy; its richest bankers bid against each other for my smiles; I walked through vaults which were thrown open to me alone, piled on either hand with gold and jewels! Mr. Chairman, at this moment I stand astonished at my own moderation.

It’s unknown if Governor Daniels is aware of the source of the remark. In Daniels’ defense, having the conservative movement attempt to draft you to run for president, interrupting your own plans to retire from public life after governing Indiana, might feel similar to being offered the riches of Bengal. Though Daniels is probably more hesitant to accept them than Clive was.

Follow Noah on Twitter: @noahkgreen

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