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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.” quote by P. J. O'Rourke
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“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.”

P. J. O'Rourke

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.

Key Takeaway

Question authority when all sides agree.

Themes

politics skepticism power trust

Mood

cautious critical

Type

essay satirical

When to use this quote

  • voting decisions
  • policy analysis
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

conspiracy groupthink institutional critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are examples of healthy consensus?
  • How can we differentiate genuine agreement from collusion?
A Different Perspective

Not all consensus is harmful; sometimes cooperation yields progress.

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