Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I thank my colleague from Georgia for yielding to a question. It was not that long ago that we actually had conversations and debate on the floor of the Senate, and now when we are even in debate on bills, we don't have dialogue back and forth. So I appreciate the Senator attempting to answer my question about precedent. Let's be clear. This is a precedent-shattering event. This is not consistent with the history of the United States. In fact, we have seen a situation where never in our history has any President asked for a debate and vote during an election. So that shatters a precedent. Never before in our history have we had a majority leader agree to hold a debate and a vote during an election. So that shatters a precedent. Then there is the President Lincoln precedent in which he deliberately said: We are not going to violate the sanctity of a vote. I don't want you to debate and vote during an election. Now, Lincoln happened to be a Republican President, but he cared about the institution. He cared about the Constitution. He cared about the voice of the American people, and so he said the two shouldn't exist together. Then, of course, there is the McConnell precedent from 4 years ago, in which McConnell came to the floor and was supported by his caucus and said there should never ever be a debate or a vote of a nominee during an election year.…”