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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ford expresses respect for Congress and commits to communication and compromise as a guiding principle.
In plain terms
He respects Congress and promises to communicate and compromise with them.
What can you take from it?
Collaboration requires respecting other branches.

Where it applies

  • inaugural addresses
  • legislative sessions
  • bipartisan meetings

Putting it to work

  • building relationships
  • seeking consensus
  • honoring traditions

Questions to consider

  • What makes cooperation difficult in government?
  • How can leaders bridge divides?

Another view

The ideal of full cooperation often clashes with partisan political realities.

More from Gerald Ford

  1. It is good to be back in the People's House. But this cannot be a real homecoming. Under the Constitution, I now belong to the executive branch. The Supreme Co…

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  2. I am not asking for conformity. I am dedicated to the two-party system, and you know which party I belong to. I do not want a honeymoon with you. I want a good…

    Permalink to quote #48
  3. My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people ru…

    Permalink to quote #45

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