From the first, he professed a devotion to democracy and a loathing for the nation's ample supply of knavish politicians.
Birth in humble circumstances, experience on the frontier, evidence of being close to the mass of the people, a devotion to democracy, and, if possible, some military exploits were all valuable assets for any candidate.
In a speech to the California State Democratic Convention on Feb. 3, Mr. Biden said that "each generation of Americans has been summoned" to a test of devotion to democracy; the same phrase was used about national loyalty by John F. Kennedy in his Presidential inaugural address in 1961.
Mr. Justice Black went on to say that a referendum procedure, such as the one at issue here, is a classic demonstration of "devotion to democracy..
The French Revolution, during which Condorcet died in prison despite -- or because of -- his devotion to democracy, marked a watershed in politico-economic thought: the political restoration of the monarchy in the early 1800's was accompanied by a recasting of laissez-faire economics as the coalition partner of political conservatism.
Knowing as one does the depth of the American devotion to democracy, this is not a situation which one can view with comfort.
After the hourlong meeting at Suu Kyi's lakeside home, the two emerged arm in arm for a news conference on her back porch, acknowledging their differences as well as their devotion to democracy.
Hence the dogged devotion to democracy that the Germans have shown since the war and the obligation that every one of them feels to make a contribution to economic, as well as political, recovery.
The president's just-concluded Asian trip bore signs that his devotion to democracy is beginning to shape American strategy beyond the "greater Middle East," calling into question the policy of economic engagement and the belief in the democratizing power of free trade that Washington has followed up until now.
NATO represents the West's devotion to democracy and freedom, and its determination, by means of military strength and political unity, to maintain the freedom of its members.
"Provisions for referendums demonstrate devotion to democracy, not to bias, discrimination or prejudice," Black wrote.
