The two most frightening words in Washington are…
“The two most frightening words in Washington are 'bipartisan consensus.' Bipartisan consensus is when my doctor and my lawyer agree with my wife that I need help.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Bipartisan consensus is mocked as a dangerous sign of collusion, implying that agreement among power brokers can hide self‑interest.
In simple terms: Agreement among elites can be dangerous.
Question authority when all sides agree.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voting decisions
- policy analysis
- media consumption
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What are examples of healthy consensus?
- How can we differentiate genuine agreement from collusion?
Not all consensus is harmful; sometimes cooperation yields progress.