How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph.Sentence)
Quote #1
The era of big government is over. But we cannot go back to the time when our citizens were left to fend for themselves. (7.5-6)
At the time, this was the political equivalent of a twist. Wait, a Democrat suddenly wants to kill off big government? That's more insane than the plot of Westworld.
Quote #2
I have learned a lot about the way both Republicans and Democrats view the debate before us. I have learned a lot about the good ideas that each side has that we could all embrace. (14.2-3)
Trying to appeal to both sides is called being "bipartisan." Politics are generally so divided "along party lines," as the saying goes, that someone who takes ideas from both groups needs an entire word to describe them.
Quote #3
I challenge this Congress to send me a bipartisan welfare reform bill that will really move people from welfare to work and do the right thing by our children. I will sign it immediately. (26.1-2)
A classic workplace tactic is to shift responsibility to your colleagues. Challenging Congress to make the first move makes the president look better in comparison. Clinton is saying, "Guys, help me out here…I'm waaiiting."