How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
Quote #4
RIPPER: He said war was too important to be left to the Generals. When he said that, fifty years ago, he might have been right. But today, war is too important to be left to politicians. They have neither the time, the training, nor the inclination for strategic thought.
Ripper's quoting Clemenceau, the political leader of the French during WWI. Clemenceau was talking about the importance of civilian control of the military. The way Ripper figures it, the President and the rest of the politicians are totally screwing up the Cold War. In Ripper's mind, the only thing to do when the powerful aren't using their power properly is to take it from them and make it yours.
Quote #5
MUFFLEY: General Turgidson, I find this very difficult to understand. I was under the impression that I was the only one in authority to order the use of nuclear weapons.
From the first time we meet the President, his power is being challenged. He struggles the whole time to get his power back, but ultimately the situation is beyond his control. So much for being the Leader of the Free World.
Quote #6
DESADESKI: You would never have found him through his office, Mr. President. Our Premier is a man of the people, but he is also... a man, if you follow my meaning.
Apparently the Premier's a slave to his sexual urges. He's with a mistress while he should be discussing the possible annihilation of his country. That's the kind of power women have in this film.