Aisle Quote by Barack Obama
“Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, are motivated by all kinds of issues. They're sincerely interested in the economy, in terrorism, in social issues. But the one overriding thing they're interested in is getting reelected. And if they think that it's harder for them to get reelected by cooperating with each other, then they won't cooperate.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Congress, Washington D.C., 2015
Politicians prioritize re‑election over collaboration, hindering bipartisan progress.
In simple terms: Lawmakers seek votes more than cooperation.
Key Takeaway
Focus on policies that benefit constituents, not just careers.
Themes
politics
self‑interest
cooperation
Mood
cynical
realistic
Type
political
observational
When to use this quote
- legislative negotiations
- campaign strategy
- public policy
- constituent services
Key Concepts
electoral incentives
partisanship
Questions to Reflect On
- How can voters reward collaboration?
- What incentives could encourage bipartisan work?
A Different Perspective
Even with re‑election motives, effective governance requires compromise.
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
![“In modern day evangelism, this precious doctrine [of regeneration] has been reduced to nothing more than a human decision to raise one's hand, walk an aisle, or pray a 'sinner's prayer.' As a result, the majority of Americans believe that they've been 'born again' even though their thoughts…” quote by Paul Washer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4b4/paul-washer-1468_aisle_in-modern-day-evangelism-this-precious-d_218599.jpg)
