Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of ``Profiles in Courage.'' John F. Kennedy's famous volume tells the stories of eight American leaders who put country before party and patriotism before politics, men for whom personal integrity was more important than personal popularity or power. Unfortunately, the kind of political and moral courage that is described in Kennedy's book is in tragically short supply within the modern Republican Party. Faced by a President intent on undermining the values and norms that sustain our democracy, frighteningly few Republicans have been willing to do more than wring their hands and roll their eyes. While Senator Corker and Senator Flake have been boldly denouncing Donald Trump, they are exceptions to a well-established rule. Indeed, when a new ``Profiles in Courage'' is written for the 21st century, we can be certain that no one from the current House Republican leadership is going to be featured in its pages. When questioned about Trump's attacks on women, minorities, the disabled, and Gold Star families, Speaker Ryan has been equivocal and evasive. When called upon to condemn Trump's outrageous embrace of the White nationalists, Speaker Ryan has deferred and deflected. When asked to defend Trump's reckless rhetoric on North Korea, Speaker Ryan has done so enthusiastically.…”