I'd rather sink with a bad theory than swim with muddy pragmatism.
The common belief is that you are either a dreamer or a realist. But idealism and pragmatism aren't as far apart as one might think.
You see, idealism detached from action is just a dream. But idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It's very real. It's very strong.
The most surprising thing, honestly, is that so few Americans know about the orphan trains. I was also surprised at the resilience and fortitude of the riders I met, their pragmatism and grace. I don't know whether this is a Midwestern trait or simply a human one.
Our platform is crafted by Democrats but it is not about partisanship, its about pragmatism.
Europe, in legend, has always been the home of subtle philosophical discussion; America was the land of grubby pragmatism.
Idealism loses to pragmatism when it comes to winning elections.
Pragmatism and romance are sort of opposites.
I abhor anything that constitutes torture. Water-boarding, it's perfectly clear to me it is torture. I never supported extraordinary rendition to torture, always said that Guantanamo should be closed. There is no clash of ideals and pragmatism there.
Action requires focus and priorities and these inherently require compromises and pragmatism.
