December 13, 2025

Though we cannot out-vote them we will out-argue them.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), English poet, critic, lexicographer, James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) 3 April 1778, Jay p.197

If the only options are being right or being a winner, which would you pick?

It is a nice thought, but if it is a matter to be voted upon—as so much is in a representative democracy, out-arguing is of no use if you lack the votes to carry the day. How many times have I said this over the past year? It’s because this is the most basic reality of democratic politics.