Political Quotes

On the record
Every speaker should know the substance of what he intends to say, but ought to rely for his words upon the spirit and temper of the audience.
Said by
John Sherman
Ohio

Editor's note · Context

Sherman emphasizes the importance of understanding one's message while adapting to the audience's mood.

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He took strong ground against the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and in 1859 was a competitor with me for the position of speaker, but withdrew in my favor after the first ballot.

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What boy did not feel the gushings of patriotic emotion when one of these old veterans appeared upon the stage.

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The worst evil that could befall our country is civil war, but the outrages in Kansas cannot be continued much longer without producing it.

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I believe that it will give a reasonable fair protection for the great industries of agriculture, manufacture, and commerce, which lie at the basis of the prosperity of this country.

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