Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1326IR // #c1326Synthesis

"“Pick the one that’s easier for you to explain,” Manchin advised Mark."

— In our words · Source: Courage Can Save Us (Rye Barcott)

[Use when]

Two options look close and you'll have to defend whichever you pick.

[Why it matters]

Joe Manchin gave this to Mark Kelly when he was a freshman senator. Kelly had spent a career on carriers and launch pads, where what counted was making good decisions and articulating them clearly. If you can't explain a choice to the people affected, that tells you something about the choice.

Filed under situations:When you must decide and the facts aren’t inWhen you need a yes and they’re not there yet

More from Courage Can Save Us

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Same situation, different book

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