Keith Ellison Quotes

Hillary Clinton doesn't know how to win.

America would be a better place if leaders would do more long-term thinking.

For instance, Clinton who was unquestionably the smartest of the bunch I talked to - both the ones who made it and didn't. He had a great interest in policy.

President Clinton does not use polls to reach positions. He takes positions and then uses the polls to survive the experience.

In history lies all the secrets of statecraft.

There is something wrong with the way in which we make our decisions. The Government listen too much to the pollsters and the party managers. The trouble is that they are not even very good at politics, and they are entering too much into policy decisions. As a result, there is too much short-termism, too much reacting to events, and not enough shaping of events. We give the impression of being in office but not in power. Far too many important decisions are made for 36 hours' publicity.

Politics and strategy are one.

I would not attribute any strategic thinking to Trump.

The Democrats want you to think Trump has sold you out and thrown you under the business. They want you to think that Trump has given away his mandate in exchange for doing deals. They want you to believe that Trump loves deals; he loves action.

Politics is about moving forward, looking forward.

The liquor of statecraft is distilled from the mash you got.

I don't think we do a great job in America any more of distinguishing between campaigns and governance. We live in an environment that's all campaign all of the time and it's helpful, now that we've moved beyond a campaign and an election to get into a governance posture.

I can't get excited about politics, but I love it as a game. Because what I love in politics - this is very selfish of me, but who cares - what I do love in politics is this ability it has to make you think in new ways.

There's symbolism in politics. There's communication in politics. And I think what Donald Trump is saying is, give me the job, and when I get to that job I will figure it out.

You have to be an optimist to be in politics.

I think Donald Trump is going to find it very hard to do the kind of massive change he wants.

Coaches need to have a vision.

I have the experience we need to make the changes we want and I think that's a winning case.

Hillary Clinton has got no business ability.

I don't think the Democrats should think in narrow tactical terms about mid-term elections.

I'd rather work with a grassroots organization than in politics. I'm not sure I'd be the best politician because I don't think I'm good about tactfully tiptoeing around questions in the right way.

I think there were two criticisms you can make of Donald Trump's involvement in the Health Care Bill. First of all, there were times when he wasn't being helpful. Secondly, there were times when he was trying to be helpful. I'm not sure which one did more damage.

I think Hillary Clinton is vastly intelligent and good-hearted and extremely qualified.

I think strong rhetoric and strong action are two separate things. Anyone can use tough words. Anyone can go over the top and say things that sound strong. But sounding strong is not enough. You have to know exactly how you're going to do it. And if you look at some of the policies he's talked about, they would not make America stronger.

Obama hasn't shown the leadership that has allowed the center to go towards him. He's got his base now after the stimulus bill, after the latest jobs plan, but he doesn't have the center. The center is wide open.