- Jasper Lick: You know what I really think? I think the old coot was ready to flip out! And he or his wife was pressured into hustling him off the scene to keep the holy image of this building intact.
- Senator Hays Stowe: The "old coot," sir, served his state and his country with dedication and distinction for almost a quarter of a century. I didn't always agree with him, but I liked him and respected him. Whatever the reasons for his leave, they're his own. And you won't be doing him or "the people" you're so concerned with any service by throwing it on your butcher's counter like it were a slab of meat at so much a pound.
- Jasper Lick: Oh, come on now, Senator! We all know how you gentlemen protect each other, close ranks to maintain the sanctity of the club. Can you do that with Homer Wydell?
- Senator Hays Stowe: [to Majority Leader Brown] You picked Homer Wydell to represent the United States Senate at the Strategic Arms Conference. May God in his wisdom prove you right and me wrong. I'll accept the consequences.
- Jasper Lick: Mr. Boyle, I remember a junior senator some years ago tried to tangle with Homer Wydell. He's back in Idaho, counting potatoes.
- Senator Hays Stowe: Mrs. Wydell, I respect your husband. I admire him. That's exactly why I've come to you. We both know he's a sick man under great pressure, and something has to be done quickly...
- Jean Wydell: Sick? Sick?
- Senator Hays Stowe: Psychiatrically.
- Jean Wydell: Oh. So now you've said it and it's out in the open.
- Senator Hays Stowe: Well, I know how difficult it must be for you to admit it, but I don't think...
- Jean Wydell: I have admitted nothing! You are incredible to come into my home with this, this slander!