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Quotes about America

379 quotes from 149 people

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We shall neither die out, nor be driven out; but shall go on with this people, either as a testimony against them, or as an evidence in their favor throughout their generations.
Frederick Douglass1817–1895“The Destiny of Colored Americans”, The North Star (16 November 1849)
- Race
If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final.
Calvin Coolidge1872–1933Speech on the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (1926)
- Government
I have tender feelings for Nixon, because everybody has warm feelings about their childhood.
Stephen Colbertborn 1964Rolling Stone interview (31 October 2006)
- Comedy
- Presidency
In our nation’s 246 year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.
Dick Cheney1941–2025Campaign advertisement for Liz Cheney’s re-election (August 2022)
- Politics
- Presidency
If Selma taught us anything, it’s that our work is never done. The American experiment in self-government gives work and purpose to each generation.
Barack Obamaborn 1961Selma 50th Anniversary Address (2015)
- Democracy
The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity⁠—unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.
Henry Clay1777–1852Speech, Senate (29 January 1850)
- Laws
Throughout my entire public career I have followed the personal philosophy that I am a free man, an American, a public servant, and a member of my party, in that order always and only.
Lyndon B. Johnson1908–1973Address to the nation announcing he would not seek re-election (31 March 1968)
- Politics
I’m not going to sit at your table and watch you eat, with nothing on my plate, and call myself a diner. Sitting at the table doesn’t make you a diner, unless you eat some of what’s on that plate.
Malcolm X1925–1965Speech in Cleveland, Ohio (April 3, 1964)
- Race
The chief ideal of the American people is idealism. I cannot repeat too often that America is a nation of idealists. That is the only motive to which they ever give any strong and lasting reaction.
Calvin Coolidge1872–1933The Press Under a Free Government (1925)
O, let America be America again —
The land that never has been yet —
And yet must be — the land where every man is free.
Langston Hughes1901–1967“Let America Be America Again” (1935)
- Freedom
The nonsense about President Obama being a Muslim has got to stop. I rise to defend him from this absurd accusation by pointing out that he is obviously an atheist.
Ann Coulterborn 1961“Obama Is Not A Muslim” (September 1, 2010).
- Clever Jabs
- Presidency
I feel that my duty has been faithfully, though it may be imperfectly, performed, and, whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country.
James Buchanan1791–1868Speech to Congress (8 January 1861).
- Patriotism
- Presidency
I consider Paine our greatest political thinker. As we have not advanced, and perhaps never shall advance, beyond the Declaration and Constitution, so Paine has had no successors who extended his principles.
Thomas Edison1847–1931The Philosophy of Paine (1925)
- Politics
I am a man, a black man, an American.
Clarence Thomasborn 1948I Am a Man, a Black Man, an American (1998)
- Race
Thank God, I — I also — am an American!
Daniel Webster1782–1852On the Completion of the Bunker Hill Monument (1843), p. 107
- Patriotism