Jane Mayer Quotes

Dialoging is the first principle of good government.

Democratic government consists of listening, deciding, persuading.

Elections are about choosing sides, but inaugurations are about closing ranks.

Consensus is the essence of the legislative process.

In a democracy, if you don't get the votes, nothing else is possible, no matter how wonderful your dreams.

If an election is simply a one-day snapshot of transient mass delusions, then this is not a very noble form of government.

Democracy involves that old-fashioned thing called working it out.

You can't have your own way in Congress.

In a Democracy, look how many … many powerful Orators there are with the people.

Democracy is that fine art of compromise.

It is impossible for a Minister to please the many without displeasing the few

Look, the people will elect the government they think best.

A dictatorship would be a heck of a lot easier, there's no question about it. Dealing with Congress is a matter of give and take. The president doesn't get everything he wants, the Congress doesn't get everything they want. But we're finding good common ground.

I think the American people should express their preferences, and we'll accept their choice.

The people have spoken. Their decision is sovereign. We all respect it... I wish good luck to those who will now govern France.

Government, in the last analysis, is organized opinion. Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government.

As long as we're in a democracy, I have to give what I think the majority of people will enjoy.

If we had a consensus we wouldn't have to go to a referendum.

You can never solve a problem without talking to people with whom you disagree. The United States Senate is predicated and based on consensus building. That was certainly the vision of the founding fathers.

You know, we're taught that in a democracy power comes from being elected.

If you present good government, then elections look after themselves.

Towering over Presidents and State Governors, over Congress and State Legislatures, over conventions and the vast machinery of party, public opinion stands out in the United States, as the great source of Power.

The voice of the people must be heeded.

I trust the American people. They almost always get it right …

In a democracy, as a matter of course, every effort is made to seize upon and create publick opinion, which is, substantially, securing power.