Dwight D. Eisenhower Quotes

When you are President you have to get something done, and that often means compromise.

You are the President. You tell them to go to hell.

Bishops and judges are some of the best politicians in the world. They know how to manipulate the political process.

I worked with a group of people who argued day and night - professors, officials, the Minister of Finance - but there were decisions that I had to make.

I don't think I have the demeanor to be a politician. I'm used to making decisions and to a certain extent being in charge.

The most important thing that the person at the White House knows when he talks to you is that you are not in there.

For 22 years [as a Senator] I worried about all the power at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. Now [as Treasury Secretary] I worry about all the power at the opposite end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

As to mere power I have been for years in the daily exercise of more personal authority than any President habitually enjoys.

I am well aware of what three past presidents have said, but that will not be worth five cents if the people and the Congress do not support their president now.”

Part of your job as President is not only to make the tough calls, but to get people to agree with you.

The President has to persuade Congress to do what they do not want to do.

Because of the term ‘whip’, it is assumed that members can be beaten into submission, but I’ve seldom seen that be successful. It’s getting to know the individual, what they think, how they feel, what’s going on in their personal life, are they agonizers or quick deciders, what kind of leverage can be used with them or on them.

Parliament will train your men to the manners required of a statesman; but in a much less degree to the intrinsic functions of one. To these latter, it is capable of mistraining as nothing else can. Parliament will train you to talk; and above all things to hear, with patience, unlimited quantities of foolish talk. To tell a good story for yourself, and to make it appear that you have done your work

In peace, as there is more time to spare, the leaders are expected to persuade the rank and file, instead of commanding them.

I sit here all day trying to persuade people to do the things they ought to have the sense to do without my persuading them. That's all the powers of the President amount to.

When people say - 'Well, do you miss being a judge since you're in Congress,' I go - 'Only when I want people to sit down and shut up.'

Politics and power is a realm of relative influence.

The most important aspect of the relationship between the president and the secretary of state is that they both understand who is president.

If you want me to be a cry baby, I cannot: I am the leader of a country. If you want to give me something and then withdraw it, fine; I must respect your decision.

You should get as close to the power when you're pitching something. I got my two biggest breaks with the man who owned CBS and the guy that owned Paramount, because I was dealing with the guy who would say yes or no.

Cheney was among the best secretaries of defence the country has ever had. He was a very effective White House chief of staff. He did not make many enemies, and he had the ability to persuade people with that soft tone and very reasonable style of his. He's always been exceptionally good as the right-hand man.

As a member of Congress, I'm often reminded that in baseball, as in diplomacy, you have to know when to hit, when to run, and when to show grace.

It is always a delicate matter, when a friend or acquaintance becomes president.

In politics, as in business, leadership is crucial.

I've been dealing with politicians all my life. All my life. And I've always gotten them to do what I need them to do.