David Broder Quotes

Powerful David Broder for Daily Growth

About David Broder

David S. Broder (1929-2011) was an esteemed American journalist and political commentator, best known for his long tenure with The Washington Post and his incisive analysis of U.S. politics. Born on March 23, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Broder displayed a keen interest in current events from a young age. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he graduated from Cornell University with a degree in government. Broder began his journalistic career at The Washington Post in 1958, covering local news before moving to the political beat. His career took off when he was assigned to cover the presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Broder's reporting during this time established him as a shrewd and insightful political observer. In 1960, Broder became the White House correspondent for The Washington Post, a position he held until 1972 when he was appointed chief political analyst. He wrote the "Washington Insight" column, which provided in-depth analysis of U.S. politics, and hosted the weekly syndicated television program "Washington Week in Review." Broder's major works include "The Great Presidency: The Legacy of Lyndon Johnson," published in 1982, and "The System: The American Way of Politics at the Breaking Point," published in 1996. His final book, "The Fun of It: An Autobiographical Sketch," was published posthumously in 2013. Throughout his career, Broder won numerous awards for his journalism, including three Pulitzer Prizes. He was known for his ability to bridge the gap between Washington politics and everyday Americans, making complex issues accessible to a wide audience. His legacy continues to influence political journalism today. Broder passed away on August 27, 2011, leaving behind a rich body of work that offers insights into the American political landscape.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Politics is not just about power and position. It's about people. And politics should be about the public good."

This quote emphasizes that at its core, politics isn't merely about acquiring power or holding high positions, but it's primarily concerned with serving the needs and welfare of the people. The implication is that effective and ethical governance should always prioritize the public good over personal ambition or interest. To put it simply, in politics, we should strive to create positive change for society as a whole.


"The best way to predict the future is to create it."

This quote by David Broder implies that instead of trying to foresee or guess what the future will bring, one should actively shape it through their actions and decisions. In other words, taking control of our actions today can help manifest the desired future outcomes. It's a call to be proactive, rather than reactive, in shaping our own destiny.


"The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It is very easy to say yes."

The quote emphasizes the importance of assertiveness and decision-making in leadership roles. By saying "no," leaders are able to focus their efforts on priorities that align with their goals, rather than spreading themselves too thin by agreeing to every request. It underscores the notion that effective leadership requires not only an ability to make decisions, but also the courage to stand behind those decisions. This can help prevent burnout and ensure that resources are allocated effectively toward achieving success.


"The key to bipartisanship is to find areas where you can cooperate, and then do so."

This quote emphasizes the importance of finding common ground in politics for the purpose of cooperation between political parties, a concept known as bipartisanship. The idea is that, despite ideological differences, it's essential to collaborate on issues where there is shared agreement for the greater good. By focusing on areas of mutual interest, progress can be made and solutions found in a more harmonious way, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.


"In politics, a leader has to be able to make the tough decisions, even when they are unpopular."

David Broder's quote emphasizes that in the realm of politics, effective leadership entails the ability to make difficult decisions, regardless of their popularity. This implies that leaders must have the courage and conviction to act in the best interest of their constituents or country, even if such actions may face opposition or disapproval. The capacity to take unpopular yet necessary steps is crucial for a leader, as it reflects wisdom, foresight, and commitment to duty over personal gain or popularity.


Something got screwed up in terms of your priorities if you think it's more important to get rid of the dividend tax than it is to take care of 11 million kids.

- David Broder

Think, More, Screwed, Dividend

For the first time in history, we declared war without financing it. Americans have not been asked to pay for it through taxes.

- David Broder

War, Through, Been, Financing

Anybody who wants the presidency so much that he'll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office.

- David Broder

Office, Two, Anybody, Campaigning

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