Political Quotes

David Gergen

The Public Record

David Gergen was an American political commentator and advisor who served in the administrations of four U.S. presidents, providing insights and guidance on various political matters. Born on May 9, 1942, in Massachusetts, Gergen held significant roles in both Republican and Democratic administrations, showcasing his ability to navigate the political landscape across party lines. He was also a professor of public service at Harvard University, where he influenced a new generation of leaders. In addition to his academic work, Gergen was a senior political analyst for CNN, contributing to public discourse on current events until his passing on July 10, 2025.

Quotes by year · 200420233,072 total · peak 2008 (674)
2004: 17 quotes2005: 10 quotes2006: 236 quotes2007: 167 quotes2008: 674 quotes2009: 600 quotes2010: 220 quotes2011: 170 quotes2012: 171 quotes2013: 61 quotes2014: 43 quotes2015: 55 quotes2016: 89 quotes2017: 193 quotes2018: 165 quotes2019: 116 quotes2020: 59 quotes2021: 12 quotes2022: 9 quotes2023: 5 quotes
Sep 30, 2008

If the election had been held two weeks ago, John McCain would have won. If the election were held today, Barack Obama would win, and win handily.

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Sep 30, 2008

If the election had been held two weeks ago, if John McCain would have won. But if the election were held today Barack Obama would win and win handily.

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Sep 30, 2008

If the Republicans are responsible for yet defeating it once again, John McCain will pay a huge price. If the Democrats now peel away and defeat it, then Barack Obama's going to pay a big price.

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Sep 29, 2008

The momentum has gone to Obama. He has got a four- or five-point lead now, if you look across the polls.

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Sep 29, 2008

Barack Obama has been a little more conciliatory throughout this except for attacking Bush, not McCain.

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Sep 29, 2008

I think he can get away possibly from the events of the last two weeks. If the Congress passes the bill and things get a little better.

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Sep 29, 2008

I think the event -- he can get away possibly from the events of the last two weeks if the Congress passes the bill and things get a little better.

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Sep 29, 2008

This bill is not going to solve everything magically in the overall economy.

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Sep 28, 2008

But I think, what's important tomorrow, Anderson, is for both the President and Treasury Secretary to try to help maintain calm so we avoid a total panic.

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Sep 28, 2008

Well, this is a huge failure of leadership across the board, Anderson. The House Members and House Democrats who voted against this ought to be ashamed of themselves. But it's really the House Republicans whom I think bear a special…

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Sep 28, 2008

This was one of the worse mistakes I have ever seen Congress make. You always assume that in the crunch, people will do what's right for the country. And time and again, I have seen that and this was shockingly irresponsible.

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Sep 28, 2008

Joe Biden could make a big mistake. He could be overbearing. It's not -- you know, this is a delicate matter, as the male in a male-female debate. There's a lot of delicacy there.

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Politicians like David Gergen