Die-hard conservatives thought that if I couldn't get everything I asked for, I should jump off the cliff with the flag flying-go down in flames. No, if I can get 70 or 80 percent of what it is I'm trying to get ... I'll take that and then continue to try to get the rest in the future.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker reflects on the mentality of staunch conservative individuals who believe that rather than compromising and accepting partial successes, it is better to completely fail in order to maintain their principles. The speaker, conversely, expresses a more pragmatic approach, stating that if they can achieve a significant portion, around 70 or 80 percent, of their goals, they would gladly accept it and then persist in their efforts to achieve the remaining objectives in the future. This viewpoint highlights a willingness to be flexible and recognize the value of incremental progress rather than demanding absolute fulfillment.