WIST Quotations

Tsongas, Paul -- Journey of Purpose, ch. 3 “Third Party” (1995)

Dave — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 19:06:05 +0000

The majority of Americans are clustered in the middle of the ideological spectrum. There is a passionate center. This core of America is not racist. It is not hostile to women. It is increasingly offended by gay bashing. Yet it abhors government waste. It believes strongly in fiscal responsibility such as balanced budgets. It is pro-economic growth. It is concerned about the environment. It is intolerant of people on welfare who disdain the notion of work. But it wants poor kids to have school lunches and it wants to spend money to have good schools. In sum, most Americans are sensible, good-hearted, and prudent. The issue, then, is whether there is a political party that can welcome them home.

Paul Tsongas (1941–1997) American politician
Journey of Purpose, ch. 3 “Third Party” (1995)
(Source)

Roosevelt, Theodore -- Letter (1899, Spring) to Senator Thomas Platt (R-NY)

Dave — Tue, 15 Jun 2004 13:23:46 +0000

We […] hold the just balance and set ourselves as resolutely against improper corporate influence on the one hand as against demagogy and mob rule on the other. I understand perfectly that such an attitude of moderation is apt to be misunderstood when passions are greatly excited and when victory is apt to rest with the extremists on one side or the other; yet I think it is in the long run the only wise attitude.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American politician, statesman, conservationist, writer, US President (1901–1909)
Letter (1899, Spring) to Senator Thomas Platt (R-NY)
(Source)

Quoted in Roosevelt's Autobiography, ch. 8 "The New York Governorship" (1913). Platt, the top Republican in New York, had sent a letter to the new Governor of New York, questioning whether Roosevelt's "altruism" in business/labor affairs meant he was potentially a Populist or Socialist.

Eisenhower, Dwight David -- Interview (1963-11-05) by William Stringer, “Midroad View at Gettysburg,” Christian Science Monitor

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

People talk about the middle of the road as though it were unacceptable. Actually, all human problems, excepting morals, come into the gray areas. Things are not all black and white. There have to be compromises. The middle of the road is all of the usable surface. The extremes, right and left, are in the gutters.

Dwight David Eisenhower (1890–1969) American general, US President (1953–61)
Interview (1963-11-05) by William Stringer, “Midroad View at Gettysburg,” Christian Science Monitor
(Source)

I cannot find an online copy of the source, but it is cited by the Eisenhower Presidential Library, as well as other reliable sources.