I think that what most surprises anybody who goes into politics from even a modestly cerebral background is the vulgarity of much of the cut and thrust of politics.
From Chris Patten
In a democracy everybody has a right to be represented, including the jerks.
I believe in trying to get a balance between individual freedom on the one hand and social responsibility on the other.
I think that if politics is just about getting your backside on important seats, then it's a pretty worthless endeavor.
It is almost always wrong that the time isn't ripe to decide something. That is always said of difficult problems.
In democracy everyone has the right to be represented, even the jerks.
But the ability to articulate what you are doing, to be clear about it, and to stick to it is, I think, the essence of political leadership.
I don't think that capitalism should be unbridled, if by 'unbridled' you mean unregulated.
I suppose I've always carried what is regarded as a bit of unnecessary baggage in Britain. I've always carried the charge that I am an intellectual in politics.
It is a sort of great Victorian truth that actually, trying to do the right thing is pretty good for you and pretty good for business as well, by and large.
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