Welcome to our compilation of insightful quotes by Barry Goldwater, a prominent figure in American politics known for his staunch conservatism and advocacy for limited government. Born in 1909, Goldwater served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1953 to 1965 and again from 1969 to 1987. He was the Republican Party’s nominee for President of the United States in the 1964 election, where he campaigned on a platform emphasizing individual freedom and a smaller federal government.
Goldwater’s political philosophy, often described as libertarian-leaning conservatism, left a lasting impact on American politics, influencing generations of conservatives and shaping the modern conservative movement. His principled stances on issues such as states’ rights, free market economics, and a strong national defense continue to resonate with many today. Throughout his career, Goldwater was celebrated for his eloquence and sharp wit, often delivering memorable quotes that encapsulate his beliefs and convictions.
Below, we present a collection of Barry Goldwater’s most notable quotes, offering wisdom, insight, and inspiration for those interested in his conservative ideology and political legacy. Feel free to use these quotes for inspiration, reflection, or sharing, whether by placing them on images, enhancing them with stylish fonts, or simply copying them for personal use. Let the words of this influential statesman guide and inspire you on your own journey through the realm of politics and beyond.
I won’t say that the papers misquote me, but I sometimes wonder where Christianity would be today if some of those reporters had been Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Barry Goldwater
You’ve got to forget about this civilian. Whenever you drop bombs, you’re going to hit civilians. Barry Goldwater
Hubert Humphrey talks so fast that listening to him is like trying to read Playboy magazine with your wife turning the pages. Barry Goldwater
I think every good Christian ought to kick Falwell right in the ass. Barry Goldwater
I wouldn’t trust Nixon from here to that phone. Barry Goldwater
When I’m not a politician, I’ll be dead. Barry Goldwater
If everybody in this town connected with politics had to leave town because of chasing women and drinking, you would have no government. Barry Goldwater
Where is the politician who has not promised to fight to the death for lower taxes- and who has not proceeded to vote for the very spending projects that make tax cuts impossible? Barry Goldwater
Equality, rightly understood as our founding fathers understood it, leads to liberty and to the emancipation of creative differences; wrongly understood, as it has been so tragically in our time, it leads first to conformity and then to despotism. Barry Goldwater
I could have ended the war in a month. I could have made North Vietnam look like a mud puddle. Barry Goldwater
I will offer a choice, not an echo. Barry Goldwater
You don’t need to be straight to fight and die for your country. You just need to shoot straight. Barry Goldwater
To disagree, one doesn’t have to be disagreeable. Barry Goldwater
Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Barry Goldwater
If you don’t mind smelling like peanut butter for two or three days, peanut butter is darn good shaving cream. Barry Goldwater
I think any man in business would be foolish to fool around with his secretary. If it’s somebody else’s secretary, fine. Barry Goldwater
Nixon was the most dishonest individual I have ever met in my life. He lied to his wife, his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Congress, lifetime members of his own political party, the American people and the world. Barry Goldwater
You don’t have to be straight to be in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight. Barry Goldwater
It’s a great country, where anybody can grow up to be president… except me. Barry Goldwater
The only summit meeting that can succeed is the one that does not take place. Barry Goldwater
I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Barry Goldwater
The income tax created more criminals than any other single act of government. Barry Goldwater
American business has just forgotten the importance of selling. Barry Goldwater