The filibuster is an affront to commonly understood democratic norms, but then so is the Senate.
Hendrik HertzbergWhere is it written that if you don't like religion you are somehow disqualified from being a legitimate American? What was Mark Twain, a Russian?
Hendrik HertzbergA person's character is what it is. It's a little like a marriage - only without the option of divorce. You can work on it and try to make it better, but basically you have to take the bitter with the sweet.
Hendrik HertzbergUnfair in practice is not the same thing as wrong in principle, but sometimes it has to do.
Hendrik Hertzberg[If the Democratic nominee turns out to be] Walter Mondale, I hope he picks Representative Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate. It would be a desperate move, but that's what it'll take to get rid of Reagan. Ms. Ferraro is no more unqualified than a lot of Vice Presidential candidates have been, and anyhow Mondale's in good health.
Hendrik Hertzberg