Constructive Argument Quotes

If you disagree with me about a position I have taken, or what I've done, tell me, argue with me, debate. Sometimes, right and good are not that clear; at other times, it is only deliberate and respectful debate that leads us to understand what road we should take.

If we're going to have debates, let's have real debates.

Debate is healthy and no one in this chamber - starting with me - has a monopoly on being right.

I have never believed you make your case stronger by bad-mouthing your opposition.

The mark, to me, of a constructive argument is one that looks at a specific problem and says, 'What shall we do about this?' And a nonconstructive one is one that tries to label people.

Let's cultivate an environment, not just in beauty pageants but in society in general, where we argue like we're right but listen like we're wrong.

No doubt science cannot admit of compromises, and can only bring out the complete truth. Hence there must be controversy, and the strife may be, and sometimes must be, sharp. But must it even then be personal? Does it help science to attack the man as well as the statement? On the contrary, has not science the noble privilege of carrying on its controversies without personal quarrels?

Debate is so much better than denial.

Great teams argue. Not in a mean-spirited or personal way, but they disagree when important decisions are made.

If we’re going to have arguments, let’s have arguments — but let’s make them debates worthy of this body and worthy of this country.