24 Robert Byrd Quotes on Politics

Robert Byrd quotes on politics

1. George W. Bush is a man who seems to be the center of his own universe. He seems to have learned little of human nature and even less of human history over his lifetime.

2. The American people and, yes, all too many of their political leaders have been manipulated and controlled in recent years through the most shameless use of fear this country has ever seen.

3. America's true power lies not in its will to dominate but in its ability to inspire.

4. And the president is all wrong when he maintains that a nominee should have an up-or-down vote. The Constitution doesn't say that. The Constitution doesn't say that that nominee shall have any vote at all. There doesn't have to even be a vote.

6. Do not run a campaign that would embarrass your mother.

11. It is money, money, money! Not ideas, not principles, but money that reigns supreme in American politics!

12. Is it any wonder why the approval ratings of the Congress go up every time we go into recess?

13. It [the Senate] handed everything to a president, by way of using the military forces of this country where he would, when he would, how he would, as long as it was connected with Iraq. And that's a blotch upon this country and the Senate.

15. Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds.

16. Some events define and shape history with the force of plate tectonics, moving the world onto a new path. On September 17, 1787, just such an event occurred when the Constitution of the United States was signed.

19. The ongoing strife in Iraq, and the billions of dollars that the President is seeking to continue that war, give me little comfort that this Administration has learned from its mistakes in Iraq.

20. They call me 'The Pork King,' they don't know how much I enjoy it.

22. This war is not necessary; we are truly sleepwalking through history.

24. We, unlike Nazi Germany or Mussolini's Italy, have never stopped being a nation of laws, not of men. But witness how men with motives and a majority can manipulate law to cruel and unjust ends.

25. I love to serve. I love the Senate. I love the Constitution. If I could live another hundred years, I'd like to continue in the Senate.

26. It is patriotic, not partisan, to help the President see the truth.

27. The people of West Virginia have never let me down, and I intend to never let them down.

28. Can it be that we, too, are ready to embrace the foul concepts of atheism? Somebody is tampering with America's soul, I leave it to you who that somebody is. (in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's verdict in Engel v. Vitale.)

29. Mr. President, before we begin consideration of this spending bill, I want to take a moment to say how distraught and terribly shaken I am over the news of my dear friend, my dear dear friend, dear friend, Ted Kennedy. My thoughts and my humble prayers...are with Senator Kennedy...my dear friend Ted with his wife Vickie...and with the members of the Kennedy family. I hope and pray that an all-caring omnipotent God will watch over Ted and keep Ted here with us and for America. Ted...(sobs), Ted...my dear friend, I love you. And I miss you....and Erma, Erma, Erma, my darling wife Erma, would want to say, thank God for you, Ted. Thank God for you. (Regarding Sen. Ted Kennedy's discovery of a brain tumor and consequent surgery)

30. Robert Byrd is already recognized as an American icon. Without question, when history is written, Senator Byrd will hold a prominent place as a Senate legend.

31. Robert C. Byrd is truly a legend in his own time. He stands larger than life, not only for his accomplishments, but also for his principles.

33. His number one priority has always been the people of West Virginia. It has been a great example for all of us to never lose sight of the fact that you are elected by the people from your State and the people in your State should have first priority.

35. There are still those people, like Senator Byrd, who exemplify the qualities of leadership strong personal character and a sense of virtues and principles that inspire others to greatness.

38. The old-fashioned conservatives like Richard Cobden condemned it harshly, just like Senator Robert Byrd condemns what's going on today. The real conservatives are different from the ones that call themselves that.