Ken Auletta Quotes

the only vehicle through which we can get a clear-cut and unequivocal decision of the people.]

A referendum is almost always a device by which governments get the voters to endorse what they wanted to do all along.

If we had a consensus we wouldn't have to go to a referendum.

If we could, somehow, get a vote of the people of Tennessee and have it result properly, it would be worth more to us than a battle gained. How long before we can get such a vote?

Every single election in every country has a component of a referendum in it.

Only votes talk, everything else walks.

It is difficult to understand these people who democratically take part in elections and a referendum, but are then incapable of democratically accepting the will of the people.

Let the people decide whom to vote for, who has more authority. And only people, only our citizens, are able to place the final emphasis, voting for this or that person or political force, or rejecting it. That's democracy.

It's a democracy and if I am outvoted, I have to accept the majority decisions.

Decision making in a democracy depends above all on knowledge and not just the intel available to presidents and policymakers.

By voting, we add our voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions.

I think the American people should express their preferences, and we'll accept their choice.

You know, we're taught that in a democracy power comes from being elected.

Voters do not decide issues. They decide who will decide issues.

We have voted. The people have spoken. It’s just going to take a little while to figure out what we said.

I trust the American people. They almost always get it right …

Polling can undermine the ability of officials to lay out, debate, analyze, and implement their plans. By turning to instant [electronic] polls we would eliminate the captain and the officers and leave every shipboard decision to the passengers.

I hate to see the entire issue decided on as narrow a base, but ... the size of the vote is more important than the arguments that are made.

People vote for their dreams and fears.

If you vote no, you don't go. [The compromise passed.]

I’m not in favor of referendums, and I will never put one before the British people.

This is a democracy, not a dictatorship. Polls give candidates a method to find out what voters want.

We never go against a candidate for one or two votes. You can’t.

We have submitted the issues to the American people, and their word is law.

The debate is ended. Fifty percent plus one vote is all we need to govern this country.