John Major Quotes

The two most frightening words in Washington are 'bipartisan consensus.' Bipartisan consensus is when my doctor and my lawyer agree with my wife that I need help.

In so much of politics you're not allowed to disagree with what's been agreed.

Better be wrong with the many than right with the few.

A consensus means that everyone agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually

In government, consensus is more important than command; persuasion not only works better than arrogance, it's vital to the democratic process.

A politician is required to listen to humbug, talk humbug, condone humbug. The most we can hope for is that we don't actually believe it.

My choice early in life was either to be a piano-player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth there's hardly any difference.

A misconception remains a misconception, even when it is shared by the majority of people.

You have to live with the people in hypocrisy for them to stay happy with you.

If everyone in the party has to agree on everything, that’s going to be a very small party.

Consensus is the essence of the legislative process.

We never go against a candidate for one or two votes. You can’t.

Insofar as it represents a genuine conciliation of differences, a consensus is a fine thing; insofar as it represents the concealment of differences, it is a miscarriage of democratic procedure.

It is impossible for a Minister to please the many without displeasing the few

There can be no assumption that today’s majority is “right”.

The word bipartisan usually means some larger-than-usual deception is being carried out.

What will happen is the bills will start out the way we like them; in order to move them - we'll probably have to make compromises. That's the way the legislative process works when it's functioning.

Moderation and bipartisan consensus go hand in hand.

We must work together as Americans in a bipartisan fashion.

Democracy doesn't mean I always get my way. It doesn't mean we always get what we want.

In politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends.

In politics, you have to compromise from morning to evening. Democracy is the art of compromise.

A lot of times, you're just so determined to get everything that you're going to vote 'no' if you don't. But if you get 75% of what you want and what your district wants, you should be satisfied with that.

Arlen Specter is a scoundrel.

I'm not going to be one of those guys who changes, and all of a sudden I'm shaking hands and kissing babies.