Kirsten Gillibrand Quotes

I know how to take good ideas and turn them into sensible law at great odds.

I learned some valuable lessons about the legislative process, the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the wisdom of taking small steps to get a big job done.

If leadership is about listening, the great political speeches would have been a little different.

You have to have patience to be a legislator.

The best way to persuade people is with your ears - by listening to them.

As I've learned in my time in the state legislature, important legislation is always a work in progress.

Nearly all legislation is the result of compromise.

Gingrich, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, and Clinton passed legislation because they understood and appreciated the difficult political process. They fought for their principles yet recognized the need for compromise to get anything done.

Legislating is a very human experience in which trust and mutual respect play critical roles.

If becoming a member of Congress is like going to college, then crafting legislation is our homework.

If you look at the very best presidents, the most effective presidents, they were always decent salespeople. Ronald Reagan was an extremely effective salesman, very tuned to the people he was selling to, very clear in what he was selling, very resilient and buoyant.

There's a lot of work you have to do before you ever fire the starting gun on a health reform bill - doing the scut work with members of Congress, talking to your allies - to figure out the best plan.

I always had an ability to listen and give people the space to open up and express themselves, and I was hoping it would translate on TV.

I'd like to think my strengths are in connecting with people and the relationship aspect of this business.

Congress, after years of stalling, finally got around to clearing the way for informal discussions that might lead to possible formal talks that could potentially produce some kind of tenative agreements.

I'll tell you what leadership is. It's persuasion and conciliation, and education, and patience.

I am good at persuading people. In convincing the other, I try to start from their point of view so it's easier for me to find a common denominator.

Miss Universe is someone who communicates her thoughts effectively and is able to connect to people.

Don't try to convince your partner you are right. Instead of trying to win arguments, try to have a winning relationship!

I prefer that we sit down and craft a bill that addresses the many challenges we face, not only domestically, but as a world leader.

To be in a room and have to explain your point of view is a huge skill in Hollywood.

Later in life, I learnt that in order to deal with people, one has to be gentle and give them respect. That always works.

You tend to relate to the other person better if you understand their professional needs.

I will continue to ask the president and his subordinates to work with Congress rather than against it.

I was all about touching people and influencing people, I always been that type of person. I was the one teaching people things, I just always had a way with my words and I always spoke with substance.