Quotes about Vote Trading

Andrew Jackson

Corrupt Bargain

No one had a majority of the Electoral College and the election was thrown into the House of Representatives. Henry Clay was the Speaker of the House, and had a grudge against Jackson. He convinced several of the State congressional delegations to vote for John Quincy Adams, and when Adams was President, he made Clay the Secretary of State, then the most powerful cabinet position. Hence Jackson’s characterization.

Lyndon B. Johnson

I would never want to trade a vote for a gavel.

As the Majority Leader of the Senate he had a Senate vote and much power. As Vice President he would only preside over the Senate. He made the trade and went on the Democratic ticket shortly after this statement.

Jared Polis

Negotiating deals among members of Congress is an exercise in wearing masks, scaring up votes, and, oftentimes, bluffing.

Harry Hay

Giving votes in exchange for ideological support. To wit: identity politics for homosexuals.

David Crockett

Promise all that is asked and more if you can think of anything. Offer to build a bridge or a church, to divide a county, create a batch of new offices, make a turnpike, or anything they like. Promises cost nothing, therefore deny nobody who has a vote.

Recommending campaign strategy to erstwhile politicians:

Lyndon B. Johnson

You save my face this afternoon and I’ll save your face tomorrow.

The President was facing an imminent close defeat in the Congress and needed to tip the scales. He called one of the leaders who was opposed to his position and explained that he didn’t want to lose face. This was a classic Johnson proposal where the quid pro quo was not even subtle. Johnson got the vote of the leader’s bloc and indeed did reciporicate later.

Ilhan Omar

We have people who will take votes that they can't defend. They'll say they stand for a policy, but when it comes to vote for it, they won't take the vote.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What a vicious practice is this of our politicians at Washington pairing off ["horse trading"]! As if one man who votes wrong, going away, could excuse you, who mean to vote right, for going away; as if your presence did not tell in more ways than in your vote.

Nathaniel Macon

... it produces so much electioneering among the members of Congress that it seems to border on intrigue & bargain, and it is not known to the Constitution.

Refusing to attend a party caucus:

Vote Trading Quotes