Joseph R. Biden Jr. Quotes

I think national issues play into gubernatorial races less than, obviously, in Senate and Congressional races. Much less. They tend to be more decided by personality, leadership qualities and by state or local issues. They still have some effect, no question about it, but not as much as Senate and Congressional races.

Arkansas is a state where politics is retail.

All politics is local.

It seems that elections today are more popularity than they are substantial issues.

In Shahjahanpur, there was not much of a political fight. It was my family constituency and I knew all the voters and their problems and needs.

All presidential elections will ultimately be a fight for the middle.

In campaigns we concentrate on the differences [between the candidates.]

In politics, familiarity doesn't breed contempt. It breeds votes.

Presidential election campaigns offer a unique opportunity to educate the public and engage in an intelligent dialogue on issues of national importance.

I love provincial politics.

Democracy functions better when donors push politicians to win campaigns based on their defining issues instead of using financial pressure for policy changes, favors, or special access.

I recognize what [political] conventions are all about—a cross between a clambake and a pep rally.

Politics turns on emotion.

We don't win or lose elections because of [party] rules.

Elections are about fucking your enemies. Winning is about fucking your friends.

People don't vote parties. They vote individuals.

It's been proven with consistency. The only way to win [municipal elections] is to walk. You have to like going out and pressing the flesh and placing yourself at risk.

Candidates talk about issues that voters want to hear about.

Television looked at politicians and saw a bottomless pit of advertising.

The most successful political candidates will be those who can tap American anger without becoming a target.

You sell your candidates and your programs the way a business sells its products.

Congressional parties are parochial parties.

I'm not against T.V. advertising for campaigns, but we need to emphasize field campaigning much more than we do.

I went to the Women's Campaign School at Yale; I went to Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Training, women's campaign fund training. I got to know the district really well by talking to the county chair, getting to know politics, working on some local races.

I recognize that it often serves competitors best to talk past each other - especially when you are trying to claim the fleeting attentions of voters on a debate stage or on social media. But think how much more clarity we could get if the people who wanted to be president clearly explained why he or she is the better choice.