Theodore Roosevelt Quotes

Kennedy understood something that is not so obvious, and that is that words are more important than deeds. You can’t govern 300 million people—or 180 million when Kennedy was president—by doing things. You can only do it by rhetoric.

Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men.

This is a classic case of using the “bully pulpit.” We got the public to think about the issue. And more of them came to the same basic conclusion I had—that this is about fairness.

Power comes through public persuasion.

The capacity to persuade is an essential part of being a great leader.

It's my job, with the position of power that I'm in and being able to be on television, I'm supposed to stand up for the people who can't stand up for themselves.

When you got a chance to speak out about something, I feel like you should, and a lot of people will follow you around the country.

The world is always a democracy in times of flux, and the man with the best voice will win.

Yes, Haven, most of us enjoy preaching, and Ive got such a bully pulpit!

There is nothing like oratory, it is a skill that can turn a commoner into a king.

With my natural communication abilities, I could probably gather a crowd even without the Spirit.

The value of the majority lies not in the opportunity to wield great power, but in the chance to use power to do great things.

I'm not terribly fond of soapboxes.

To me, presentations are the most powerful device. You can't really name a movement that didn't start with the spoken word.

I guess, as an Emanuel, I have a voice that carries.

I wish I could talk like Donald Trump or Steve Wynn. Hell, I'd love it.

I think anybody that gives their opinion in a confident way everyday is going to be criticized.

To resort to power one need not be violent, and to speak to conscience one need not be meek. The most effective action both resorts to power and engages conscience.

Oratory is the masterful art. Poetry, painting, music, sculpture, architecture please, thrill, inspire - but oratory rules. The orator dominates those who hear him, convinces their reason, controls their judgment, compels their action. For the time being, he is master.

People in positions of power and privilege have a duty to perform at a higher level. If not them, then who?

Remember two things. One is never to forget posterity when devising a policy. The other is never to think of posterity when making a speech.

I never met a microphone I didn’t like, and I plan to use this agency as a bully pulpit.

A person of definite character and purpose who comprehends our way of thought is sure to exert power over us. He cannot altogether be resisted; because, if he understands us, he can make us understand him, through the word, the look, or other symbol, which both of us connect with the common sentiment or idea; and thus by communicating an impulse he can move the will.

The President is the ultimate role model.

In a Democracy, look how many … many powerful Orators there are with the people.