One woman who managed to corner him, the story runs, said in a treacly gushing voice:Doesnt it thrill you, Mr. Churchill, to know that every time you make a speech the hall is packed to overflowing?It is quite flattering, Mr. Churchill replied, but whenever I feel this way I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd would be twice as big.

Summary

In this quote, a woman compliments Winston Churchill on the overflowing crowds he attracts when he gives a speech. Churchill, known for his wit, responds by acknowledging the flattery but also emphasizing the nature of politics and public opinion. He humorously suggests that while his popularity may be impressive, it stems more from the spectators' fascination with the drama and spectacle of political speeches rather than from his own persona. Churchill's response serves as a reminder to not let the allure of an audience's adoration overshadow the gravity and significance of the issues being discussed.