The Candidate poster

The Candidate Quotes

"Bill McKay has a lot going for him...but nothing compared to what's coming."

PG 1972 · 1h 50m
65
Audience
65
Audience
30 quotes
Contemplating the Next Steps
Bill McKay What do we do now?
[last line]
Understanding Middle Class Through Community Work
Bill McKay Maybe I am middle class, in a way. But I didn't find that out today. I found that out working with people trying to make sure their kids have enough to eat tomorrow morning.
Individual Responsibility and Resisting Government Control
Senator Crocker Jarmon I tell you this, good people, that Crocker Jarmon still believes that individuals are responsible for themselves. And so does the vast majority of the American people. And that's why we're going to tell Big Brother to get lost!
Happiness and the Value of Accomplishment
Bill McKay I just worked through the weekend - 20 straight hours - and I loved every minute of it. So, why do I need what you're offering? I'm happy.
Lucas You're happy?
Bill McKay Yeah.
Lucas Clams are happy. What did you accomplish?
Building Jobs Through Responsible Industry
Senator Crocker Jarmon The solution to welfare is not more welfare! It's more enterprise, more industry, and more jobs. Now, there are those who say to industry, don't build, don't develop, don't cut a single tree or you'll destroy our watershed, and so on, but I know that when the time comes for building, we will build, because building means jobs. And - and we'll find a way to love Mother Nature - and preserve her - without going to extremes.
Support for Bold Leadership
Howard Klein The bottom line is this: I like what you stand for. You've got balls, Otherwise, I wouldn't take you on.
Debating Women's Rights in Political Discourse
Bill McKay I'm for it. I think every woman should have that right.
[in a mock session, preparing for a TV interview, Bill is asked what he thinks about legalized abortion]
Lucas Ah, uh, wait a minute, Bill. You can't put it that way.
Bill McKay That's what I think.
Lucas Well, it's not going to be understood without hell of a long explanation. So, eh, how about this for time being? Uh, just say it's worth studying.
Bill McKay Okay. I'll think about it.
Politics is Perceived Differently by Individuals
Jaime This thing you call politics? Politics is bullshit.
Lucas I was wondering what it was.
Commitment to Progress and Leadership
Senator Crocker Jarmon You think I'm mean? If I am, I've spent the last 18 years in the Senate being a meanie - and, if need be, I will spend another 18 years working to keep this country healthy and growing and moving into the future!
Campaign Strategy and Image Overhaul
Howard Klein We'll label him "Mr. Geritol." and you'll do the "I'm-my-own-man" bit. Okay, now, for starters, we have to cut your hair and 86 the sideburns. All right, let's go.
Invitation for Questions and Comments
Bill McKay Are there any questions? I'd be happy to respond to anything that's on your minds. Any comments? Suggestions? Dirty jokes?
Unpredictability in Life and Politics
Bill McKay Everything that happens is a complete surprise to me.
Finding Common Ground in Disagreement
Floyd J. Starkey There's no point in us chewing over our differences. When we get right down to it, you might find we have a lot in common.
Bill McKay I don't think we have shit in common.
Ghetto Struggles Highlighted by Bill McKay
Bill McKay I can tell you what's basic for the ghetto. It's a scandal. There's no hospital. There's no on-the-job training for medical aides. There's no housing program. Excuse me, just a second. They have no housing program. They have no public transportation. There's no birth control centers.
Hard Work Over Welfare in Tough Times
Senator Crocker Jarmon But I remember this: I remember my mom and dad went through the 1930's without welfare, without poverty programs. Why - none of us kids even had a social worker. How did we do it? Ladies, excuse me, but we worked our butts off!
Uncertainty Amidst Optimism in Political Ambitions
Klein I dig it! It's raw, but I eat it up. A lot of work to be done, my friend, but I get the feeling you know where you're going.
Bill McKay I don't.
Anticipation of Future Challenges
Taglines Bill McKay has a lot going for him... but nothing compared to what's coming.
Unity and Responsibility in American Society
Bill McKay The time has passed when you can turn your back on the fundamental needs of the people. And don't think that you can distract them any more by playing off the young against the old, black against white, the poor against the less poor. I think the time has come when the American people realize that we're in this together - and that we sink or swim together. And I say to you, maybe, just maybe that's the way it should be. A test of our courage, of our compassion, our faith in ourselves, and our faith in our country.
Instructions for On-Camera Presence
Klein You're going to be sitting camera right. All the time while Jarmon's talking, just keep looking at Jarmon. Jarmon talks, you look at Jarmon.
Bill McKay Right.
Klein Try to keep your eyes steady. Don't blink. Whatever you do, don't look up at all. Don't look up. Don't look up, because your eyes are glazed and you look cock-eyed. You look like a moron.
Understanding Crime as a Symptom
Bill McKay Crime isn't an issue, it's a symptom.
Perception of Authenticity in Politics
Howard Klein You see that? He works from a staged pose. How many politicians you know can look straight in the camera without coming off shifty eyed?
Confidence in the Face of Doubt
Howard Klein You might just make it, my friend. People are gonna take a look at our stuff and see a guy with guts. They're gonna take a look at the Crock and think maybe he can't get it up anymore.
Connecting with People Over Media Concerns
Howard Klein You just get it on with the people. Let me worry about the cameras.
The Value of Risk in Politics
Bill McKay You're free, McKay. You don't have a chance, so say what you want. It's just between you and the public. The question is whether you can put your ass on the line.
Lucas No, the question is whether it's worth it.
The Intersection of Chance and Belief
Bill McKay I'm going to challenge Jarmon to a crapshoot. Crapshoot is a matter of individual enterprise. Crapshoot made this country great.
Lucas God made this country great.
Bill McKay God shoots crap.
Subsidizing People: A Question of Equity
Bill McKay We subsidize trains, we subsidize planes. Why not subsidize people?
Nomination Perceived as a Burden
Lucas You're the Democratic nominee for Senator.
Bill McKay You make that sound like a death sentence.
The Importance of Winning Over Beliefs
Taglines Nothing matters more than winning. Not even what you believe in.
A Call for Unity and Action
Bill McKay Can't any longer play off black against old - young against poor. This country cannot house its houseless - feed its foodless. They're demanding a government of the people - peopled by people. Our faith, our compassion, our courage on the gridiron. The basic indifference - that made this country great. And on election - and on election day - we won't run away. Vote once, vote tuh-wice, for Bill McKay, you middle-class honkies!
[with his team after giving one speech too many; begins making gagging noises; makes the sound of an explosion]
The Ideal Candidate Faces Skepticism
Taglines Too Handsome. Too Young. Too Liberal. Doesn't have a chance. He's PERFECT!