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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.

We need a sweeping debate about ethics, boundaries, and regulation for location data technologies.

Quotes by Kate Crawford

The worst thing about our political system is that people debate; I wish our politicians were able to talk to each other rather than scream while trying to gain sound bites.

Quotes by Karamo Brown

Social studies was my favorite subject. I remember I portrayed Walter Mondale in a mock debate in my sophomore social studies class.

Quotes by Kane

I think it's natural for anyone that participates in a public debate to advocate for the most extreme version that they can, particularly if they believe that government tends to compromise.

Quotes by Julius Genachowski

I do think that Social Security reform needs to be bipartisan, and we are going to have to reach that in this debate at some time before we can find really meaningful reform.

Quotes by Judy Biggert

In debate, one randomly was assigned to one side or the other. This had at least one virtue - it made one see that there was more than one side to these complex issues.

Quotes by Joseph Stiglitz

American power in the world relies on these ideals of openness and critical debate.

Quotes by Joseph Nye

It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.

Quotes by Joseph Joubert

The political climate during a campaign is not the best climate for reasonable debate.

Quotes by Jose Mujica

There is an ongoing debate about the reform of the U.N. system.

Quotes by Joschka Fischer

I emphasize teachers because they are largely left out of the debate. None of the bombastic reports that come from Washington and think tanks telling us what needs to be 'fixed' - I hate such a mechanistic word, as if...

Quotes by Jonathan Kozol

I heard Dennis Kucinich say in a debate, 'When I'm president... and I just wanted to stop him and say, 'Dude.'

Quotes by Jon Stewart

First, the oil and gas business pays its fair share of taxes. Despite the current debate on energy taxes, few businesses pay more in taxes than oil and gas companies. The worldwide effective tax rate for our industry in 2010...

Quotes by John S. Watson

We need to punch back against the extremes of both the left and the right and define the terms of the debate ourselves.

Quotes by John Avlon

We shall seek debate without division or rancour.

Quotes by Johann Lamont

The Constitution is very clear on the - on the declaration of war or reacting to international crimes - crimes against nations. It is the role of Congress to debate and authorize this before the President acts precipitously.

Quotes by Joe Pitts

I have a few theories and trains of thought that I wouldn’t expose because they are not anyone’s business. I hold them sacred, it’s how I feel, it’s my opinion, not up for debate, and not meant to be shared.

Quotes by Joe Budden

Mr. Speaker, the goal of stem cell research should be to help our fellow human beings. The debate on this issue has, unfortunately, moved into dangerous unethical territory when perfectly moral alternatives exist.

Quotes by Jim Ryun

Much of the debate over global warming is predicated on fear, rather than science.

Quotes by Jim Inhofe

The debate in the Republican Party needs to be between libertarians and conservatives.

Quotes by Jim DeMint

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.