Dick Durbin Quotes

I've learned by hanging out in Hollywood, where I disagree politically with most people, that most people's hearts are in the right place, and the only thing we have to argue about is the way to solve the problems.

Years ago on my radio show, I used to say, 'I'm a conservative, but I'm not in a bad mood about it.' I've always believed that civility in heavy doses is essential in self-government.

I'm quite moderate.

You have to be able to interact with people whose politics you disagree with.

I'm friends with people that probably would describe themselves as socialists and people that are much more conservative than I am. I can always find a middle ground.

I'm fairly conservative on social issues, but not extremely conservative and not reactionary.

I had a reputation of being somewhat moderate, partly, I think, because I wasn't a 'bomb thrower' like some of my conservative colleagues, and partly because I got along with people all across the political spectrum.

We can have open and good discussion with our Republican brothers and sisters. But when we walk into the chapel we should leave our political differences out in the parking lot.

I can't remember who it was who advocated that you should march with the left and dine with the right but I've often concurred, taking the view that I personify the great tolerance of Britain by consenting to being regally entertained. Besides, there is a degree of truth in the view that while the left are worthier, the right are wittier.

We may disagree on some things, but we can do so without being disagreeable.

I am conservative, there's no doubt about it. But you can be conservative and still work with people, and that's what my intentions are.

I'm an extreme libertarian, but I realize we're in a democracy, and in a democracy, people can have views of all stripes, and there's no reason to argue about it.

I'll work with anyone - and I really do mean that - Democrat, Republican, independent, Libertarian, contrarian, vegetarian.

You can like somebody without agreeing with all of their policies.

…in every locality we should look beyond our noses; and at least say nothing on points where it is probable we shall disagree.

All Democrats recognize we do have differences because we are a big family.

Our differences are policies, our agreements principles.

I get very very concerned when I hear people start characterizing their opponents as stupid. I still understand that because politics is a little rough and tumble at times, but I don’t buy it and when they start calling each other either crazy or evil. You and I, we don’t compromise with crazy people or evil people. And so, I don’t think that’s helpful. Generally speaking, just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t make them crazy or evil.

I know Eric Schmidt, and he has different political views from mine. But I think he's a terrific guy.

I am from the Left, but I am happy to work with people from the Right.

I'm conservative on some things, and I'm not on others.

I love my right-wing friends, my practical friends, my bleeding heart friends - without all of these viewpoints, life would be pretty boring.

I think that it's important to make criticisms of the government as a whole and criticisms of the policies, but to do so in a way that you can invite the individuals who maybe were on the opposition before, or who voted for somebody whom you are in disagreement with... that you open the door for a conversation with those people.

You have to learn to have discourse with people you don't necessarily agree with.

I will avoid demonizing people who don't agree with me about this election.