As previously stated Richard Hoftstader believes that the role of an agitator “was not to make laws or determine policy, but to influence the public mind in the interest of same large social transformation”. He contrasts the role of an agitator to the role of a politician as which he believes a politicians purpose “is not absolute right, but, like Solon’s laws, as much right as the people will sanction. His office is not to interact public opinion, but to represent it” (Richard Hoftstader). Wendell Phillips began his career with a low reputation. He then opened his law office but, to then soon close it to follow his dream of abolitionist agitations. The role of an agitator could be potentially dangerous for some such as, Wendell Phillips and William Lloyd Garrison. They both had been mobbed, as for Phillips, he was mobbed three times in one month. Most politicians do not have to live in fear of being mobbed. Phillips purpose was to influence the publics mind. He fulfilled his purpose in many different ways
As previously stated Richard Hoftstader believes that the role of an agitator “was not to make laws or determine policy, but to influence the public mind in the interest of same large social transformation”. He contrasts the role of an agitator to the role of a politician as which he believes a politicians purpose “is not absolute right, but, like Solon’s laws, as much right as the people will sanction. His office is not to interact public opinion, but to represent it” (Richard Hoftstader). Wendell Phillips began his career with a low reputation. He then opened his law office but, to then soon close it to follow his dream of abolitionist agitations. The role of an agitator could be potentially dangerous for some such as, Wendell Phillips and William Lloyd Garrison. They both had been mobbed, as for Phillips, he was mobbed three times in one month. Most politicians do not have to live in fear of being mobbed. Phillips purpose was to influence the publics mind. He fulfilled his purpose in many different ways