It is quite possible that someone is insane and they think they have a chance. Not insane in the clinical sense, but they may have such a strong political ambition that they blind themselves to reality.

It was expected of me that I was to bow to the name of Andrew Jackson... even at the expense of my conscience and judgement. such a thing was new to me, and a total stranger to my principles.

I have always supported measures and principles and not men.

If one man in the country could take all the money, what was the use of passing any bills about it?

Be sure you are right, then go ahead.

We have the right as individuals, to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity; but as members of Congress we have no right to appropriate a dollar of the public money.

Remember these words when I am dead. First be sure you're right, then go ahead.