Hubert Humphrey talks so fast that listening to him is like trying to read Playboy magazine with your wife turning the pages.

The quote "Hubert Humphrey talks so fast that listening to him is like trying to read Playboy magazine with your wife turning the pages" by Barry Goldwater, a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, humorously criticizes Hubert Humphrey, his political opponent, for his fast-paced, often overwhelming style of speaking. Goldwater uses the comparison to suggest that listening to Humphrey’s speeches or arguments can be distracting or frustrating, as it is difficult to keep up with his rapid delivery. The reference to Playboy magazine adds an element of humor, implying that the speaker’s fast pace makes it challenging for listeners to focus on the content, much like trying to read a magazine while someone keeps interrupting the experience.

Goldwater’s use of this metaphor highlights his frustration with Humphrey’s speaking style, which he perceives as overbearing or difficult to follow. The image of a husband trying to read while his wife flips through pages too quickly serves as an exaggerated way of describing how disjointed or chaotic it can feel to try to listen to someone who speaks in a disorganized or overly rapid manner. It paints a picture of trying to engage with an idea or argument, only to be constantly pulled away or distracted.

The comparison also has a layer of political commentary. Goldwater, a more conservative figure, often clashed with the liberal Humphrey, and this quote reflects the sharp and sometimes personal nature of political rivalry. While the comparison is meant to be humorous, it also highlights a common tactic in political discourse: undermining an opponent’s ability to communicate effectively by focusing on their style rather than their ideas.

Ultimately, Goldwater’s quote uses humor and hyperbole to convey his frustration with Hubert Humphrey’s speaking style, while also contributing to the larger narrative of political competition and rivalry during their time. The playful metaphor shows how personal characteristics—like speech patterns—can become focal points in political debates, often overshadowing the actual content of the arguments being made.