Compromise Quote by Tom DeLay
“It is not the principled partisan, however obnoxious he may seem to his opponents, who degrades our public debate, but the preening, self-styled statesman who elevates compromise to a first principle.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion on political compromise, 2022
The quote warns that self‑styled statesmen who elevate compromise as a principle can degrade debate more than partisan opponents.
In simple terms: Compromise can be used to mask self‑interest.
Scrutinize claims of principled compromise.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative negotiations
- party meetings
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicate genuine compromise?
- How does self‑promotion affect public trust?
Compromise may hide ulterior motives.