Steve Bullock Quotes

We need to in this country begin again to raise civil discourse to another level. I mean, we shout and scream and yell and get very little accomplished, but you can disagree very much with the next guy and still be friends and acquaintances.

You should be able to voice your opinion and respect the voice of the other side. You should be willing to educate yourself and know what it is you're dealing with.

The world I want to live in is a world where everybody is a bit more uncertain about their arguments and is a bit more open to other people's arguments. I think that we can engage ideas without ad hominem attacks.

We're going to hear a lot of spirited discussion about the President's plan in the next few days and weeks and that's fine as long as everyone comes ready to talk and not just snipe, complain and argue.

The greatest respect you can give your political adversaries is to give them your undivided attention. If you want them to hear you, you have to be willing to hear them.

By isolating ourselves from those with whose opinions we disagree, we lose the ability to defend our beliefs.

We're living in a time where I think most people are wanting someone to invite them respectfully to a policy position, not try to just slash and burn the other person.

A critical component of progress is engaging with people you don't agree with - everything else is the status quo.

You can disagree without being disagreeable.

I often go into the lions' den and engage with those I know oppose my views, because I want to understand what other people think.

It's important for people to, instead of automatically assuming everything the opposite side says is incorrect, you have to at least listen and see why someone might feel a certain way.

I enjoy the debate... I haven't met a single person in Congress yet that I dislike. It's not about moderating your views: it's about being able to talk about them and defending them in a way that's uplifting to people.

I think it's interesting to me to talk to people who don't agree with me all the time.

Dialogue between people of differing views is critical for fostering understanding in a democracy.

I am totally down with disagreement. I don't like Haterade, but disagreement is wonderful. When someone disagrees, we try to reach common ground. That's good.

I encourage people to find and use the power of their voices just as much when I do not agree with those voices as when I do agree with them.

Our right to disagree is precious but fragile. The best way to protect and preserve it is to let the other side speak without demonizing them or destroying their right to be heard. Such civil exchanges are the heart beat of democracy - essential to keeping it alive.

My mother always taught us that if people don't agree with you, the important thing is to listen to them. But if you've listened to them carefully and you still think that you're right, then you must have the courage of your convictions.

Moral teaching should always be used as a gift and not a cudgel.... It is important that we all be able to share our moral viewpoints without hurting each other. That is what is wrong with political discourse today.

…in every locality we should look beyond our noses; and at least say nothing on points where it is probable we shall disagree.

I believe if we only are talking to people who agree with us, we are failing in some way to understand our world and our country.

I think it's important to not just speak to like-minded people.

I think it's important to have conversation about things instead of shutting things down.

You have to be able to interact with people whose politics you disagree with.

Dad knew how to disagree without being disagreeable or rude.