The plagiarized and correct quotations and paraphrases below come from the following passage from page 644 of Gunfighter Nation: The Myth of the Frontier in Twentieth-Century America, a book by Richard Slotkin.

The use of mythic allusion to lend a politician the afflatus of a hero was hardly unique to Reagan. William Henry Harrison traded on his Indian-fighting laurels to gain the presidency in 1840, and in 1900 Theodore Roosevelt rode into national office as "The Rough Rider" and "The Cowboy President." But Roosevelt's claim to those titles was proved by reference to his actual deeds as a stockman, sheriff, and Rough Rider, while Reagan's claim to historic character was based entirely on references to imaginary deeds performed in a purely mythic space. The difference between them indicates the change that has occurred in our political culture over this century: the myths produced by mass culture have become credible substitutes for actual historical or political action in authenticating the character and ideological claims of political leaders.

Inaccurate Quotation:

As Slotkin points out, "The use of mythic allusion to lend a politician the afflatus of a hero was [. . .] unique to Reagan" (644).

(This is unacceptable because omitting the word hardly makes the quotation appear to say nearly the opposite of what Slotkin actually says.)

Accurate Quotation:

As Slotkin points out, "The use of mythic allusion to lend a politician the afflatus of a hero was hardly unique to Reagan" (644).

Inaccurate Quotation:

Slotkin explains that Reagan resembled Theodore Roosevelt, who "rode into national office as ‘The Rough Rider' and ‘The Cowboy President'" (644).

(This quotation is inaccurate because it makes Slotkin appear to focus on the similarities between Reagan and Roosevelt when, in fact, Slotkin emphasizes the differences between these two so-called "cowboy presidents.")

Accurate Quotation:

In comparing Reagan to Theodore Roosevelt, who "rode into national office as ‘The Rough Rider' and ‘The Cowboy President'" (644), Slotkin observes that Roosevelt really had been a Rough Rider and cowboy, while Reagan merely worked as an actor in Western movies.

Inaccurate Paraphrase:

Slotkin points out that heroes have always made great presidents, using as his examples William Henry Harrison, famous as an Indian fighter; Theodore Roosevelt, a well-known outdoorsman and military hero; and Ronald Reagan, a popular star (644).

(This paraphrase is inaccurate because Slotkin does not make claims about the greatness of these men as presidents and because the passage actually emphasizes how Reagan differed from the other men, not how the three were similar.)

Accurate Paraphrase:

Slotkin points out that presidential candidates have sometimes tried to give themselves mythic stature to get elected: William Henry Harrison used his fame as an Indian fighter and Theodore Roosevelt his notable experiences as an outdoorsman and military man to become president, while Ronald Reagan used his career as a movie actor to show himself as a hero (644).

Inaccurate Paraphrase:

Slotkin notes that in the past, politicians' deeds demonstrated whether or not they possessed moral character and political commitment, while today the way political figures are portrayed in popular culture can be used to evaluate them (644).

(This paraphrase is inaccurate because it makes Slotkin appear to argue that both deeds and perceptions are equally valid ways to evaluate political figures.)

Accurate Paraphrase:

Slotkin notes that in the past, politicians' deeds demonstrated whether or not they possessed moral character and political commitment, but today, voters often merely consider the way a political figure is portrayed in popular culture when making up their minds (644).