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What Barack Obama calls bipartisanship is not moving to…

“What Barack Obama calls bipartisanship is not moving to the right, but finding where people who consider themselves conservatives share these fundamental American values. When he talks about union, that's the kind of thing he means. That requires common responsibility. Individual responsibility is…” quote by George Lakoff
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“What Barack Obama calls bipartisanship is not moving to the right, but finding where people who consider themselves conservatives share these fundamental American values. When he talks about union, that's the kind of thing he means. That requires common responsibility. Individual responsibility is one of the hallmarks of conservative thought. In conservative religion, you yourself are responsible for whether you get into heaven. Or with fiscal conservatives, you are the market. It's your individual discipline and market discipline.”

George Lakoff

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Bipartisanship means finding shared core values, not shifting ideology, emphasizing common and individual responsibility.

In simple terms: Find shared values, not compromise ideology.

Key Takeaway

Seek common ground and personal accountability.

Themes

politics collaboration values responsibility conservatism

Mood

thoughtful optimistic

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • legislative negotiations
  • community projects
  • cross‑party initiatives
  • public policy debates

Key Concepts

bipartisanship individualism civic duty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we identify truly shared values?
  • What if shared values conflict with policy goals?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all sides share the same fundamental values, which may not hold true.

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