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Able Quote by Barack Obama

“The Supreme Court nominations [example]. I mean, the fact that Mitch McConnell, the leader of the Republicans, was able to just stop a nomination almost a year before the next election and really not pay a political price for it, that's a sign that the incentives for politicians in this town to be…” quote by Barack Obama
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“The Supreme Court nominations [example]. I mean, the fact that Mitch McConnell, the leader of the Republicans, was able to just stop a nomination almost a year before the next election and really not pay a political price for it, that's a sign that the incentives for politicians in this town to be so sharply partisan have gotten so outta hand that we're weakening ourselves.”

Barack Obama

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks at the White House, 2015

Political tactics can become so extreme that they undermine democratic health and long‑term governance.

In simple terms: Extreme partisanship harms democracy.

Key Takeaway

Guard against partisan excess.

Themes

politics democracy partisanship governance

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • legislative negotiations
  • campaign strategy
  • policy making
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

institutional decay political incentives public trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does extreme partisanship affect public trust?
  • What mechanisms can curb partisan excess?
A Different Perspective

Partisanship can also mobilize voter engagement and policy clarity.

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