Political Quotes

“Senator Lugar and Senator Biden set a great example for the rest of the Senate in the way they handled this most important issue before this body and the way they handled that committee in general. I admire and respect both of them. But I do say to the distinguished Senator from Indiana, I listened closely yesterday to the remarks and I read some of them today. The remarks yesterday were troubling to me because most all of the remarks yesterday criticized us--that is, the minority--for having this debate, saying why didn't we complete the debate last Thursday when the President was inaugurated. The philosopher Voltaire once said, ``I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it.'' Every American who goes to school has seen that quote because it reflects our most deeply cherished values and beliefs. Americans believe in freedom of expression. We believe in democracy. We believe in debate. That is why I have been disappointed that the administration and most of the Republicans in this body have attempted to stifle debate on the nomination of Condoleezza Rice to be Secretary of State.”