I would rather be right than President.

The quote contrasts moral or political correctness (“being right”) with the allure of high office (“President”), casting integrity as superior to ambition. It functions as a self-justifying statement: Clay implies that his stances are guided by conviction rather than opportunism, and that he is willing to sacrifice the ultimate prize of American politics to maintain fidelity to what he believes is true or necessary. In the broader Clay legend, the line reinforces an image of statesmanship—placing national stability and principle above personal gain—while also acknowledging how presidential politics can tempt leaders to trim their views for electoral advantage.