On the record
Unlike most other men of his party, he did not rely wholly upon discipline and organisation, or upon party fealty and courtesy.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
This quote illustrates DeWitt Clinton's unique approach to politics, emphasizing independence over strict party loyalty.
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Public sentiment generally sustained the Administration in such action, but many persons, including conservative Republicans, frequently questioned the right or justice of such procedure.
Indeed, he went a step farther in the way of irreconciliation, preferring Hoffman and Tammany, he said, to "the reckless, red-radicalism which rules the present Congress....
And what have I to lose by withdrawing and leaving the party unembarrassed?
Perhaps, on the whole, nothing in Van Buren's official life showed greater political courage or discernment.
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