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Debate Quotes

On the value and the limits of arguing things out.

This page brings together debate quotes that start from a simple premise, that airing disagreement openly has real merit, before moving into frustration with reform talks that treat serious problems like minor fixes. See also Debates quotes.

Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled.

Quotes by Michael Crichton

For television worth watching, Trump should debate Karl Rove, and both should be tasked with figuring out how to unite Republicans.

Quotes by Mercedes Schlapp

Orthodox Islam, like orthodox interpretations of the other Abrahamic faiths, views homosexuality as sinful and usually defines marriage as only ever a heterosexual union. This isn't to say that there is no debate on the subject.

Quotes by Mehdi Hasan

Congress is a place that lacks any debate of ideas.

Quotes by Mauricio Macri

Net Neutrality originally referred to management of the 'last mile' of the network over which data flows into a person's home, but the debate has grown beyond that in recent years.

Quotes by Marsha Blackburn

Earmarks are almost always inserted by a member of Congress without any notice to other members, and without a chance for Congress as a whole to debate a particular earmark as they relate to national priorities.

Quotes by Marsha Blackburn

We pretend that the debate about genetically modified crops is a debate about science when the reality is, actually, that the science is very clear. It is really a debate about values.

Quotes by Mark Walport

Science can tell us what can be done in principle, but it is then a matter for public debate as to what should be done. And ultimately, it is a role for politicians to decide the answers.

Quotes by Mark Walport

We need scientists and mathematicians explaining why they are excited about their subjects but also why they are important for solving social problems, informing political debate and for the economy.

Quotes by Marcus du Sautoy

You've got to work things out in the cloakroom, and when you've got them worked out, you can debate a little before you vote.

Quotes by Lyndon B. Johnson

The immigrant blame game is one of the most predictable, and most deplorable, elements of public debate in our nation.

Quotes by Luis Gutierrez

I should add that it is open to debate whether what we call the writing of history these days is truly scientific.

Quotes by Lion Feuchtwanger

This idea of holding the Defense Department hostage to the tax debate makes me sick to my stomach. Knock it off.

Quotes by Lindsey Graham

Science moves fastest when there's plenty of debate and controversy.

Quotes by Lee Smolin

Social Security is an insurance policy. It's a terrible investment vehicle. Social Security has some great benefits. But it was never meant to be a savings plan. So we need to have a national debate. Should this 12.5 percent that...

Quotes by Laurence D. Fink

I've noticed that, with many of the authors I like, I tend to think I would dislike them as human beings or that there'd be a healthy amount of debate if I ever did meet them.

Quotes by Laura Marling

I don't really feel like I have to have a debate with my husband over issues.

Quotes by Laura Bush

I grew up in Orlando, Florida, and I joined the debate team right around the time of the 2000 election.

Quotes by Kristen Soltis Anderson

Offendedness is just about the last shared moral currency in our country. And, I'm sorry, but it's really annoying. We don't discuss ideas or debate arguments, we try to figure out who is most offended.

Quotes by Kevin DeYoung

Voters deserve - and they indeed expect - a good debate on the issues.

Quotes by Kellyanne Conway

One line draws a sharper boundary, arguing that active conflict leaves no room for public argument at all. For more on speaking out, browse Debating quotes.