Political Quotes

“Madam President, I am pleased to be here with my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Tom Udall, to talk a little about the issue of how this body, which was once considered the world's premier deliberative body, can actually discuss and decide things in this modern era--a modern era that has seen unlimited paralysis, with huge hurdles placed in the way of addressing the large issues facing America. The last couple of days we have heard a lot of passionate terms-- terms such as power grab and suppression of minority rights, broken promises or abuse of the rules. I must say all of those allegations create a smoke screen designed to take away from thoughtful conversation about a broken system, about the dysfunction of the Senate. So let's take a step back and recognize that the goal of this discussion about rules is to simply enhance or restore the ability of this body to deliberate and decide issues. Perhaps during the time we have the honor to serve in this body we will be able to once again claim that we are the world's greatest deliberative body. The conversation often starts with the Constitution and about the design of this body as being the cooling saucer, as President Washington was alleged to have claimed. And, indeed, the early debate over this body did say let's take a longer term for Senators--6 years rather than 2--so they are more insulated from the public debate. Let's have the indirect election of Senators.…”