245 Quotes by Dan Rather

Patriotism – active, constructive patriotism – takes work. It takes knowledge, engagement with those who are different from you, and fairness in law and opportunity. It takes coming together for good causes. This is one of the things I cherish most about the United States: We are a nation not only of dreamers, but also of fixers. We have looked at our land and people, and said, time and time again, “This is not good enough; we can be better.

It’s the American way: if you don’t vote, you don’t get to whine.

Performing doesn’t turn me on. It’s an egomaniac business, filled with prima donnas – including this one.

Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn’t block traffic.

I’m a believer in what your record is. I am what my record is – some of it good, some of it bad, some of it hard to tell.

It is important not to confuse “patriotism” with “nationalism.” As I define it, nationalism is a monologue in which you place your country in a position of moral and cultural supremacy over others. Patriotism, while deeply personal, is a dialogue with your fellow citizens, and a larger world, about not only what you love about your country but also how it can be improved.

As someone who’s been covering presidential campaigns since the 1950s, I have no delusions about political reporting. Candidates bargaining access to get the kind of news coverage they want is nothing new.

I respect and empathize with reporters and editors who must compete in today’s environment. And I know full well that when I’ve been covering campaigns, which I still do, I’ve made my mistakes and have been far from perfect.

I’ve always tried to be fair, even-handed, not an advocate for any group.