Evan Mcmullin Quotes

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About Evan Mcmullin

Evan D. McMullin is an American politician, intellectual, and former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, best known for his independent presidential campaign in the 2016 United States presidential election. Born on June 8, 1984, in Provo, Utah, McMullin grew up with a strong sense of public service instilled by his parents. After earning a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Brigham Young University (BYU) and a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia University, he joined the CIA, working as an operations officer for six years. McMullin's political career began when he was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Counterterrorism Center. In 2015, he resigned from his post to explore a run for public office. Drawing inspiration from a deep-rooted belief in civic duty and the need for pragmatic centrist politics, McMullin decided to challenge both major parties by running as an independent candidate for President of the United States. His presidential campaign gained significant attention due to his strong stance on issues such as national security, economic growth, and education reform. Although he did not win the election, McMullin's candidacy sparked conversations about third-party politics and the need for alternatives in a two-party system. Post-election, McMullin continued to engage in political discourse through media appearances, speaking engagements, and writing. His influential quote, "I am not running as a spoiler. I am running as an alternative," encapsulates his vision of independent politics that transcends traditional party lines. As of now, Evan McMullin continues to advocate for pragmatic centrist solutions in American politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The most dangerous thing America faces today is a politics without principles."

Evan McMullin's quote suggests that the lack of guiding principles in American politics poses a significant threat to the nation. In such a context, principles could refer to core values, beliefs, or ideologies that guide political decisions. Without these, decision-making may become unpredictable, erratic, and potentially harmful to the wellbeing of society as a whole, as it might cater to short-term gains over long-term stability and prosperity. This quote underscores the importance of maintaining strong moral foundations and adhering to enduring values when navigating the complexities of politics in order to protect the best interests of America and its people.


"Our political parties are in crisis. But this isn't just about them; it's about us."

The quote suggests that the current state of U.S. political parties, represented by the term "our political parties," is in a critical condition. However, McMullin underscores that this issue is not solely about the parties themselves; it extends to the American public, symbolized by "us." In essence, he emphasizes the interconnectedness between the health and functioning of our political system and the citizens who engage within it. The implication is that a crisis in one area inevitably affects the other, implying the need for collective introspection and action towards reform and improvement.


"We have allowed our institutions and political discourse to degenerate into a game of power and money, where the pursuit of self-interest reigns supreme."

This quote by Evan McMullin highlights the concern that contemporary politics and societal structures have devolved into a battle for power and wealth, prioritizing individual interests over collective good. It suggests a critique of systems that neglect the integrity and essential values of fairness, honesty, and public service, instead focusing on personal gain and manipulation. In essence, McMullin is advocating for a restoration of principles that foster accountability, empathy, and unity in our political discourse.


"The American people can no longer afford a politics that sacrifices principle for convenience or personal ambition."

This quote by Evan McMullin highlights the importance of upholding core values and principles in political decision-making, rather than prioritizing convenience or personal gain. In today's political climate, it's essential to remember that the American public seeks genuine leadership committed to serving the nation's best interests over individual ambition or short-term gains. This quote serves as a reminder that politics should strive for the greater good and put the people first, inspiring us to demand principled leaders who prioritize the common good over personal or political convenience.


"It's time for Americans to rediscover their capacity for greatness and to reject a politics based on resentment, division, and fear."

This quote suggests that Evan McMullin encourages Americans to embrace their inherent potential for greatness rather than being consumed by feelings of resentment, separation, and apprehension. He is advocating for a shift in political culture towards unity, optimism, and progress, as opposed to one fueled by negative emotions that can lead to divisiveness and stagnation. Essentially, McMullin invites Americans to rediscover their collective strength and move beyond fear-based politics.


Donald Trump, despite his campaign promises, this is not a guy who is going to be willing to send executive power that belongs to the legislative branch back to the legislative branch. I mean, Donald Trump is going to try to amass and consolidate power, given that he's an authoritarian.

- Evan McMullin

Trump, Willing, Donald, Authoritarian

I believe Donald Trump is a bona fide authoritarian. I am deeply concerned that if he were president of the United States, he would act accordingly.

- Evan McMullin

Accordingly, United States, Authoritarian

On the matter - on the issue of life, it's life. So I actually would pursue appointment, court appointments that would overturn Roe v. Wade.

- Evan McMullin

Appointments, Issue, Roe, Appointment

Donald Trump himself has financial ties to oligarchs in Russia who are close to Putin.

- Evan McMullin

Himself, Trump, Donald, Putin

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe in traditional marriage between a man and a woman, but I respect the decision of the Court, and I think it's time to move on.

- Evan McMullin

Woman, Church, I Think, Between

The idea that Donald Trump is a conservative is a complete farce. He is a conman who pretends to be a conservative.

- Evan McMullin

Conservative, Trump, Donald, Farce

On Hillary Clinton's side, she believes she's unaccountable to the American people. She favors these old ideas about government, these - these centralized, top down solutions from Washington that keep insiders in the know and give them influence, but regular Americans have no voice.

- Evan McMullin

Voice, About, Clinton, Old Ideas

I was a case officer, otherwise known as an operations officer. My role was to go out and convince Al Qaeda operatives to instead work with us as well as to convince people and officials in foreign governments to work on behalf of the U.S. government secretly.

- Evan McMullin

Role, Officer, Governments, Qaeda

I spent over ten years in the Central Intelligence Agency as an undercover operations officer serving overseas after 9/11 where I carried out covert operations against al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, as well as other countries who are 'hostile to liberty,' as I like to say.

- Evan McMullin

Other, Against, Officer, Al-Qaeda

I'm a gun owner and strong supporter of the Second Amendment.

- Evan McMullin

Gun, Amendment, Owner, Strong Supporter

There are lots of different ideas, lots of different opinions about the First Amendment Defense Act and what it should be. There were a lot of different forms of it while I was on the Hill. But I would say that I agree that the decision on gay marriage does mean that we need to take some steps to defend religious liberty.

- Evan McMullin

Some, Amendment, Religious, Gay Marriage

If there is anyone who should not be trusted with regard to intelligence, it is Donald Trump, both in the literal sense and with regard to our intelligence services. He shouldn't have access to these briefings.

- Evan McMullin

Access, Trump, Donald, Literal

I spent over 10 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, serving overseas, serving in the Middle East. And let me tell you, if you're a terrorist and you want to come to the United States, the worst possible way to do it is as a refugee. You'll go through a year and a half to two years of vetting.

- Evan McMullin

Through, United, Half, Refugee

Trump has never sacrificed anything for this country, and in fact, he has attacked people who have. It just makes me sick to my stomach when I see him attacking the mother of a fallen hero or John McCain. It just makes me sick to my stomach that this guy thinks he's prepared to be commander-in-chief.

- Evan McMullin

Fact, Country, Trump, Commander-In-Chief

I am unknown because I've avoided the limelight so that I could serve. In the case of Donald Trump, he has avoided service so that he could seek the limelight.

- Evan McMullin

Could, Trump, Donald, Limelight

Let me just say that I'm the only candidate in this race now that has any firsthand experience fighting terrorism. And both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, I think, have proven in different ways that they're unprepared for that challenge.

- Evan McMullin

I Think, Trump, Donald, None

It's never too late to do the right thing, and America deserves much better than either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton can offer us. I humbly offer myself as a leader who can give millions of disaffected Americans a conservative choice for president.

- Evan McMullin

Leader, Trump, Donald, None

Donald Trump is already losing badly to Hillary Clinton. He is a weak candidate, and he's performing that way.

- Evan McMullin

Trump, Badly, Donald, None

Donald Trump appeals to the worst fears of Americans at a time we need unity, not division. Republicans are deeply divided by a man who is perilously close to gaining the most powerful position in the world, and many rightly see him as a real threat to our Republic.

- Evan McMullin

Trump, Republicans, Donald, None

Donald Trump is defeating himself. He is ensuring that Hillary Clinton is elected. I think they would both be absolutely terrible.

- Evan McMullin

Think, Trump, Donald, None

If neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump nor I are able to win 270 in the electoral college... then it will go the House of Representatives.

- Evan McMullin

College, Trump, Donald, None

We need to get serious about defeating ISIS; we just aren't serious about it yet. I would be very serious about getting it done. I know how to do it. We need to take the fight to them on the battlefield in a more serious way.

- Evan McMullin

More, Need, Very, Battlefield

My church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, puts Jesus Christ at the focal point. It's the focus of everything. What I really hope is that people of faith in this country can come together in this election to ensure we elect a president who's going to do what's required to protect this basic principle of our country.

- Evan McMullin

Church, Country, Principle, Elect

Hillary Clinton is a corrupt career politician who has recklessly handled classified information in an attempt to avoid accountability and put American lives at risk, including those of my former colleagues. She fails the basic tests of judgment and ethics any candidate for president must meet.

- Evan McMullin

Career, American, Clinton, None

We know that we can defeat Islamist terrorism without violating our ideals; indeed, we must. These ideals, these American ideals.

- Evan McMullin

Defeat, Terrorism, Ideals, Violating

As far as Gary Johnson is concerned, he is not a credible person on foreign policy. We need somebody like that. He doesn't understand religious liberty. I have some other concerns about his suitability and reliability in, you know, for the presidency. I just don't think he's a credible option.

- Evan McMullin

Some, Other, Religious, As Far As

As far as a wall is concerned, the experts actually say that in some places a wall is necessary, in other places a double wall is necessary, and in other places that a wall wouldn't help. So I'm for whatever it takes to secure our border with Mexico. We've got to do it. I'm for then enforcing our laws.

- Evan McMullin

Some, Other, Concerned, As Far As

Obviously, having served in wars myself, I'm eager to do everything possible to avoid them, but our military capability vis-a-vis a country like Iran is a major source of leverage in any negotiation that we should never, ever give up.

- Evan McMullin

Country, Leverage, Eager, Capability

I think the U.S. leaders should do more to support our Israeli allies and the Palestinians to find peace.

- Evan McMullin

Think, More, I Think, Allies

I am an originalist, to begin with. So, I am a constitutional conservative. I believe that the Constitution enshrines some universal ideals that make our country strong and that are consistent with truth, and so that's the basic thing.

- Evan McMullin

Conservative, Country, Some, Universal

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