Agree Quote by George Lakoff
“If you're a progressive, you can find lots of people who call themselves conservatives, but who agree with you on lots of things. There are people who call themselves conservatives, but who love the land as much as any environmentalist. Progressives share a number of common values with people who call themselves conservatives. Barack Obama has understood that very well. What he calls bipartisanship is not adopting conservative views, but finding where people who consider themselves conservatives share with him and other progressives these fundamental American values.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Barack Obama remarks on bipartisanship, 2015
Progressives and conservatives can share core American values, enabling cooperation without abandoning principles.
In simple terms: People on different sides can agree on basic values.
Key Takeaway
Seek common ground, not compromise of identity.
Themes
bipartisanship
values
political dialogue
Mood
optimistic
thoughtful
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community projects
- environmental initiatives
- education reform
Key Concepts
Americanism
shared principles
collaboration
Questions to Reflect On
- What values do you share with those you disagree with?
- How can you highlight shared values in debate?
A Different Perspective
Common values may be interpreted differently, leading to conflict.
![“Why is it that you guys are so conservative in your views, in the face of the almost complete lack of understanding of what is going on in your field?” I asked. The answer was as simple as it was surprising. “If we [cosmologists] don’t accept some common picture of the universe, however…” quote by Per Bak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fd/per-bak-87214_lack-of-understandin_why-is-it-that-you-guys-are-so-conservat_761004.jpg)
![“I will not agree to have this bill [to repeal DADT ] go forward, because our economy is in the tank.” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2c/john-mccain-465_agree_i-will-not-agree-to-have-this-bill-to-re_7321.jpg)
