QUOTE:
“Our party is a big tent. We can house many views on many issues.”
Lee Atwater (1951-1991)
Republican political strategist and “wedge issue” mastermind
Famous comment to reporters, Nov. 14, 1989
COUNTERQUOTE:
“The Democratic Party is a big tent. We are widely diversified.”
Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill (1912-1994)
Democratic House Majority Leader
Comment to a reporter in June 1975
UPDATED QUOTE ABOUT THE GOP:
“As you know, if you're a minority or an interest group, the Democrats will hold a debate at your house. Whereas, Republicans take a slightly different approach. They have a big tent – you're just not allowed in it.”
Jon Stewart (b. 1962)
Host of The Daily Show
Quip made on his show, Oct. 1, 2007
UPDATED QUOTE ABOUT THE DEMS:
“The ultra left-wing group MoveOn.org has announced that it will begin targeting Democrats who oppose health care reform...[and] plans to help bankroll primary challenges against senators who side with the GOP on the issue of health care. Now wait a minute, I thought the mainstream media said it was Republicans who no longer had the big tent party? I guess the media is wrong.”
Sean Hannity (b. 1961)
Conservative media pundit
Comment on his Fox News show, Nov. 12, 2009
