Substantive Discussion Quotes

I would never talk just to be social. Now, to sit down with a bunch of engineers and talk about the latest concrete forming systems, that's really interesting. Talking with animal behaviorists or with someone who likes to sail, that's interesting. Information is interesting to me. But talking for the sake of talking, I find that quite boring.

People in New Hampshire know that I'll talk thoughtfully, substantively about any issue.

It is not enough for us to merely continue to talk about and contribute to the echo chamber of white noise of what's wrong with America or for candidates to spout off silly poll-tested talking points about national security or foreign policy.

I saw, he was in a different league on a different planet. Everybody says we need substance in these debates, you've got it. You've got it from [Ted] Cruz.

I flee from symbols. I think those who don't want to solve problems go to the symbols. I'm looking for content.

I can't abide small talk.

I will focus on being substantive and I will focus on Barack Obama.

I think the discussions have been superficial and emotional. What we need are conversations that have real depth to them. Talking about what's going to happen in the first 60 or 90 days of a presidency just doesn't get it done for me.

I would like to be judged on the validity of my arguments, not as a victim.

Some things are too important or too complicated to be reduced to bullet points on slides.

I love sitting down and having actual conversations. But I don't do that sound-bite, be-candidly-funny thing.

Half of the interview is substantive and half of it I think is sizing the person up.