Theodore C. Sorensen famous quotes

03-25-2025

We shall listen, not lecture; learn, not threaten. We will enhance our safety by earning the respect of others and showing respect for them. In short, our foreign policy will rest on the traditional American values of restraint and empathy, not on military might.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Respect #Military #Safety
We have contingency plans for war, but none for peace.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#War #Plans #Contingency
If we can but tear the blindfold of self-deception from our eyes and loosen the gag of self-denial from our voices, we can restore our country to greatness.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Country #Eye #Greatness
We have convinced over one billion members of the Islamic faith that we are prejudiced against their religion, that we would deny them freedom of religion, that we want suppress their culture and invade their governments.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Faith #Islamic #Government
We need not renounce the use of conventional force. We will be ready to repel any clear and present danger that poses a genuine threat to our national security and survival.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Survival #Needs #Use
We will always apply the same principles of collective security, prudent caution, and superior weaponry that enabled us to peacefully prevail in the long cold war against the Soviet Union.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#War #Long #Unions
We will be safer from terrorist attack only when we have earned the respect of all other nations instead of their fear, respect for our values and not merely our weapons.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Weapons #Terrorist #Values
With the help of dedicated Americans from our party, every party, and no party at all, I intend to mount that stairway to preach peace for our nation and world.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Peace #Party #World
Now people all across America are starting to believe in America again. We are coming back, back to the heights of greatness, back to America's proud role as a temple of justice and a champion of peace.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Peace #Believe #Greatness
I came from Nebraska, a very middle class family with a progressive father.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Father #Class #Nebraska
Number one, that it is smart to communicate and negotiate with your enemy instead of just waging war with bombs and weapons of mass destruction.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#War #Smart #Numbers
The good news, to relieve all this gloom, is that a democracy is inherently self-correcting. Here, the people are sovereign. Inept political leaders can be replaced. Foolish policies can be changed. Disastrous mistakes can be reversed.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Mistake #Self #People
Public opinion rarely considers the needs of the next generation or the history of the last. It is frequently hampered by myths and misinformation, by stereotypes and shibboleths, and by an inate resistance to innovation.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Humility #Innovation #Needs
We have treated our most serious adversaries, such as Iran and North Korea, in the most juvenile manner - by giving them the silent treatment. In so doing, we have weakened, not strengthened, our bargaining position and our leadership.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Leadership #Iran #Korea
I believe in an America in which the fruits of productivity and prosperity are shared by all, by workers as well as owners, by those at the bottom as well as those at the top; an America in which the sacrifices required by national security are shared by all, by profiteers in the back offices as well as volunteers on the front lines.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Believe #Sacrifice #America
Al Gore is not just whistling in the wind. Global warming is for real. Every scientist knows that now, and we are on our way to the destruction of every species on earth, if we don't pay attention and reverse our course.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Real #Wind #Attention
Military strength in reserve is better than military strength being reigned upon the other side including all of its innocent civilians.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Military #Sides #Innocent
I think Democrats made a mistake running away from liberalism. Liberalism, uh, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John and Robert Kennedy - that's what the Democratic party ought to reach for.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Running #Mistake #Party
Consistently wise decisions can only be made by those whose wisdom is constantly challenged.
-- Theodore C. Sorensen

#Wise #Wisdom #Decision

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