Political wisdom through the Ages

Political Wisdom

PoliticalWisdomThroughthe Ages

PoliticalWisdomThroughthe Ages

Political Wisdom Through the AgesPolitical Wisdom Through the Ages

I think we agree, theI think we agree, thepast are overpast are over

President George W BushPresident George W Bush


The Air Force is pleasedwith the performance ofthe C-5A cargo plane,although having thewings fall off at 8000hours is a problem

Major General Charles F Kuyk

The Air Force is pleasedwith the performance ofthe C-5A cargo plane,although having thewings fall off at 8000hours is a problem

Major General Charles F Kuyk


You mean there aretwo Koreas?

US ambassador designate toSingapore Richard Kneipp

You mean there aretwo Koreas?

US ambassador designate toSingapore Richard Kneipp


Rural Americans arereal Americans. Notall of the rest ofAmericans are realAmericans

Dan Quayle

Rural Americans arereal Americans. Notall of the rest ofAmericans are realAmericans

Dan Quayle


You read what Disraelihad to say. I don’tremember what he said.He said something. He isno longer with us.Bob Dole at a book signing

You read what Disraelihad to say. I don’tremember what he said.He said something. He isno longer with us.Bob Dole at a book signing

Political Wisdom


I challenge myopponent to give afrank affirmativeanswer: yes or no!

New York mayoral candidateAbe Beame

I challenge myopponent to give afrank affirmativeanswer: yes or no!

New York mayoral candidateAbe Beame

FLORIDA:If you think wecan't vote, waittill you see usdrive.

FLORIDA:If you think wecan't vote, waittill you see usdrive.

Florida: Home of the Brave, Land of the WeirdFlorida: Home of the Brave, Land of the Weird


I've changed my styleI've changed my stylesomewhat, as you know.somewhat, as you know.I'm less, I pontificateI'm less, I pontificateless, although it may beless, although it may behard to tell it from thishard to tell it from thisshow. And I'm moreshow. And I'm moreinteracting with peopleinteracting with people


FLORIDA:Home of electiledysfunction.

FLORIDA:Home of electiledysfunction.



I was raised in the West.I was raised in the West.The west of Texas. It'sThe west of Texas. It'spretty close to California.pretty close to California.In more ways thanIn more ways thanWashington, D.C., isWashington, D.C., isclose to Californiaclose to California


FLORIDA:We count morethan you do.

FLORIDA:We count morethan you do.


Political Wisdom


I think anybody whodoesn't think I'm smartenough to handle the jobare underestimating

President George W Bush

I think anybody whodoesn't think I'm smartenough to handle the jobare underestimating

President George W Bush

FLORIDA:If you don't like the waywe count, then take I-95& visit one of America’sother 56 states.

FLORIDA:If you don't like the waywe count, then take I-95& visit one of America’sother 56 states.


FLORIDA:Relax, Retire,ReVote.

FLORIDA:Relax, Retire,ReVote.


FLORIDA:Viagra voters do itagain!

FLORIDA:Viagra voters do itagain!


FLORIDA:Where your votecounts & counts &counts...

FLORIDA:Where your votecounts & counts &counts...


FLORIDA:We don't just cheatat football.

FLORIDA:We don't just cheatat football.


Political Wisdom

FLORIDA:So nice, we let youvote twice.

FLORIDA:So nice, we let youvote twice.


PALM BEACH COUNTY:We put the "duh" inFlorida.

PALM BEACH COUNTY:We put the "duh" inFlorida.


FLORIDA:We're number one!Wait! Recount!

FLORIDA:We're number one!Wait! Recount!

Florida: Home of the Brave, Land of the WeirdFlorida: Home of the Brave, Land of the Weird Political Wisdom Through the AgesPolitical Wisdom Through the Ages

They have vilifiedme, they havecrucified me. Yes,they have evencriticized me.

Chicago Mayor Richard J Daley

They have vilifiedme, they havecrucified me. Yes,they have evencriticized me.

Chicago Mayor Richard J Daley


I am not a chauvinist,obviously…I believe inwomen’s rights forevery woman but myown.

Chicago mayor Harold Washington

I am not a chauvinist,obviously…I believe inwomen’s rights forevery woman but myown.

Chicago mayor Harold Washington


Spending on federalprograms is growingat an excrementalrate

Representative Frank Guarini

Spending on federalprograms is growingat an excrementalrate

Representative Frank Guarini

Political Wisdom


It’s a very goodhistorical bookabout history

Dan Quayle

It’s a very goodhistorical bookabout history

Dan Quayle


The last thing you wantis for somebody tocommit suicide beforeexecuting them

Gary Deland, former Utah directorof corrections

The last thing you wantis for somebody tocommit suicide beforeexecuting them

Gary Deland, former Utah directorof corrections


We’ve got a strongcandidate. I’m tryingto think of his name.

Christopher Dodd, DemocraticNational Committee

We’ve got a strongcandidate. I’m tryingto think of his name.

Christopher Dodd, DemocraticNational Committee


I think that the free-enterprise system isabsolutely tooimportant to be left tothe voluntary action ofthe marketplaceCongressman Richard Kelly

I think that the free-enterprise system isabsolutely tooimportant to be left tothe voluntary action ofthe marketplaceCongressman Richard Kelly


We have been boyhoodfriends all of our lives

Chicago mayor Richard J Daley

We have been boyhoodfriends all of our lives



The morality of cityemployees is at an alltime low.

Jasper Weese, Traverse Citycouncilman during a meeting,trying to refer to morale problems

The morality of cityemployees is at an alltime low.

Jasper Weese, Traverse Citycouncilman during a meeting,trying to refer to morale problems

Political Wisdom


If a frog had wings,he wouldn’t hit histail in the ground.Too hypothetical

Former President George Bush

If a frog had wings,he wouldn’t hit histail in the ground.Too hypothetical



It’s a two-edged coin

Louisiana state representativeDonald Ray Kennard

It’s a two-edged coin

Louisiana state representativeDonald Ray Kennard


Women are best-suitedfor secretarial work,decorating cakes, andcounter sales likeselling lingerie

South Carolina staterepresentative Larry Koon

Women are best-suitedfor secretarial work,decorating cakes, andcounter sales likeselling lingerie

South Carolina staterepresentative Larry Koon


I stand flatly on allfour sides of thatconversation

John Erlichman

I stand flatly on allfour sides of thatconversation

John Erlichman


The single mostimportant two thingswe can do…

Tony Blair, British primeminister

The single mostimportant two thingswe can do…

Tony Blair, British primeminister


I’m someone who hasa deep emotionalattachment to Starsky& Hutch

Bill Clinton

I’m someone who hasa deep emotionalattachment to Starsky& Hutch

Bill Clinton

Political Wisdom


I don’t want to castasparagus on myopponent!

Unnamed Chicago politicianduring a debate

I don’t want to castasparagus on myopponent!

Unnamed Chicago politicianduring a debate


Things are more likethey are today thanthey have ever beenbefore.

Gerald Ford

Things are more likethey are today thanthey have ever beenbefore.

Gerald Ford


And what’s more, Iagree with everythingI have just said

Piet Koornhoff, S. Africanpolitician

And what’s more, Iagree with everythingI have just said

Piet Koornhoff, S. Africanpolitician


Part of America’s greatnessis discrimination. Yes sir.Inequality breeds freedom& gives a man opportunity

Lester Maddox, ex Georgia governor

Part of America’s greatnessis discrimination. Yes sir.Inequality breeds freedom& gives a man opportunity

Lester Maddox, ex Georgia governor


I think we’re on the roadto coming up with theanswers that I don’t thinkany of us feel we havethe answers to.

Mayor Kim Anderson, Naples, FL

I think we’re on the roadto coming up with theanswers that I don’t thinkany of us feel we havethe answers to.

Mayor Kim Anderson, Naples, FL


If you give a person afish, they'll eat for a day.But if you show a personhow to fish, they'll be afish for a lifetime.

Dan Quayle

If you give a person afish, they'll eat for a day.But if you show a personhow to fish, they'll be afish for a lifetime.

DanDan Quayle Quayle

Political Wisdom


Traditionally, most ofAustralia's importscome from overseas.

Former Australian cabinetminister Keppel Enderbery

Traditionally, most ofAustralia's importscome from overseas.

Former Australian cabinetminister Keppel Enderbery


There is growingscientific opinionthat global warmingis good for us

Dan Quayle

There is growingscientific opinionthat global warmingis good for us

Dan Quayle


It's like an alcatrazaround my neck.

Boston mayor Menino on theshortage of city parking spaces

It's like an alcatrazaround my neck.

Boston mayor Menino on theshortage of city parking spaces


When more & morepeople are thrown outof work, unemploymentresults.

Calvin Coolidge

When more & morepeople are thrown outof work, unemploymentresults.

Calvin Coolidge


A billion here, a billionthere -- sooner or later itadds up to real money.

Everett Dirksen

A billion here, a billionthere -- sooner or later itadds up to real money.

Everett Dirksen


If you let that sort ofthing go on, your bread& butter will be cut rightout from under your feet.

Former British foreign ministerErnest Bevin

If you let that sort ofthing go on, your bread& butter will be cut rightout from under your feet.

Former British foreign ministerErnest Bevin

Political Wisdom


It isn't pollution that'sharming the environment.It's the impurities in ourair & water that are doingit.

Dan Quayle

It isn't pollution that'sharming the environment.It's the impurities in ourair & water that are doingit.

Dan Quayle


I'm not going to havesome reporters pawingthrough our papers. Weare the President.

Hillary Clinton commenting on therelease of subpoenaed documents

I'm not going to havesome reporters pawingthrough our papers. Weare the President.

Hillary Clinton commenting on therelease of subpoenaed documents


Capital punishment is oursociety’s recognition ofthe sanctity of human life.

Senator Orrin Hatch

Capital punishment is oursociety’s recognition ofthe sanctity of human life.

Senator Orrin Hatch


We don’t havecensorship - what wehave is a limitation onwhat newspapers canreport.

S. African Info Minister Louis Nel

We don’t havecensorship - what wehave is a limitation onwhat newspapers canreport.

S. African Info Minister Louis Nel


Without censorship,things can get terriblyconfused in the publicmind.

General William Westmoreland

Without censorship,things can get terriblyconfused in the publicmind.

General William Westmoreland


This is the operativestatement. The otheroperative statementsare inoperative.

Ron Ziegler, press secretary toRichard Nixon

This is the operativestatement. The otheroperative statementsare inoperative.

Ron Ziegler, press secretary toRichard Nixon

Political Wisdom


I stand by all themisstatementsI’ve made.

Dan Quayle

I stand by all themisstatementsI’ve made.

Dan Quayle


Honest businessmenshould be protectedfrom the unscrupulousconsumer.

Georgia Governor Lester Maddox

Honest businessmenshould be protectedfrom the unscrupulousconsumer.

Georgia Governor Lester Maddox


If crime went down100%, it will still be 50 times higherthan it should be.

DC councilman John Bowman

If crime went down100%, it will still be 50 times higherthan it should be.

DC councilman John Bowman


The streets are safe inPhiladelphia, it’s onlythe people who makethem unsafe.

Frank Rizzo, mayor ofPhiladelphia

The streets are safe inPhiladelphia, it’s onlythe people who makethem unsafe.

Frank Rizzo, mayor ofPhiladelphia


The more killing &homicides you have, themore havoc it prevents

Chicago mayor Richard Daley

The more killing &homicides you have, themore havoc it prevents



Outside of all of thekillings, DC has one ofthe lowest crime rates inthe country.

DC Mayor Marion Barry

Outside of all of thekillings, DC has one ofthe lowest crime rates inthe country.

DC Mayor Marion Barry

Political Wisdom


This is the worstdisaster in Californiasince I was elected.

California Governor Pat Brown

This is the worstdisaster in Californiasince I was elected.

California Governor Pat Brown


Everyone who is forabortion was at onetime a feces.

Peter Grace

Everyone who is forabortion was at onetime a feces.

Peter Grace


We see nothing butincreasingly brighterclouds every month.

Gerald Ford

We see nothing butincreasingly brighterclouds every month.

Gerald Ford


If I tell a lie, it’s onlybecause I think I’mtelling the truth.

BC Highways MinisterPhil Gaglardi

If I tell a lie, it’s onlybecause I think I’mtelling the truth.

BC Highways MinisterPhil Gaglardi


I was not lying. I justsaid some things thatlater on were untrue.

Richard Nixon

I was not lying. I justsaid some things thatlater on were untrue.

Richard Nixon


In the early sixties, wewere strong, we werevirulent.

Secretary of the TreasuryJohn Connally

In the early sixties, wewere strong, we werevirulent.

Secretary of the TreasuryJohn Connally

Political Wisdom


To hell with the public - I’m here to represent the people!

New Jersey state senator

To hell with the public - I’m here to represent the people!

New Jersey state senator


You reporters shouldhave printed what hemeant, not what he said


You reporters shouldhave printed what hemeant, not what he said



I have not reneged mypromise - I have justchanged my mind.

NY political candidatePierre Rinfret

I have not reneged mypromise - I have justchanged my mind.

NY political candidatePierre Rinfret


Anyone can be electedgovernor - I’m livingproof of that.

Georgia governor Joe Frank Harris

Anyone can be electedgovernor - I’m livingproof of that.

Georgia governor Joe Frank Harris


We must restore Chicagoto all the good things itnever had.


We must restore Chicagoto all the good things itnever had.



Mr. Speaker, this bill isphony with a capital F.

US congressman

Mr. Speaker, this bill isphony with a capital F.

US congressman

Political Wisdom


I love sports. WheneverI can, I always watchthe Detroit Tigers onthe radio.

Gerald Ford

I love sports. WheneverI can, I always watchthe Detroit Tigers onthe radio.

Gerald Ford


These are not my figuresI’m quoting. They’re fromsomeone who knowswhat he’s talking about.

congressman in debate

These are not my figuresI’m quoting. They’re fromsomeone who knowswhat he’s talking about.

congressman in debate


I cannot tell you howgrateful I am - I amfilled with humidity.

Texas Speaker of the HouseGib Lewis

I cannot tell you howgrateful I am - I amfilled with humidity.

Texas Speaker of the HouseGib Lewis


I’m not indecisive. AmI indecisive?

St. Paul mayor Jim Seibel

I’m not indecisive. AmI indecisive?

St. Paul mayor Jim Seibel


I think that the freeenterprise system isabsolutely tooimportant to be left tothe voluntary action ofthe marketplace.

Congressman Richard Kelly

I think that the freeenterprise system isabsolutely tooimportant to be left tothe voluntary action ofthe marketplace.

Congressman Richard Kelly


Elevate those guns alittle lower.

Andrew Jackson

Elevate those guns alittle lower.

Andrew Jackson

Political Wisdom


The private enterprisesystem indicates thatsome people havehigher incomes thanothers.

California governor Jerry Brown

The private enterprisesystem indicates thatsome people havehigher incomes thanothers.

California governor Jerry Brown


Those who died in theearthquake, their liveswill never be the sameagain.

Representative Barbara Boxer

Those who died in theearthquake, their liveswill never be the sameagain.

Representative Barbara Boxer


I’ve tried everything toconvince you. Now I’mgoing to be sensible.

Newt Gingrich

I’ve tried everything toconvince you. Now I’mgoing to be sensible.

Newt Gingrich


Life is indeed precious& I believe the deathpenalty helps to affirmthis fact.

New York mayor Edward Koch

Life is indeed precious& I believe the deathpenalty helps to affirmthis fact.

New York mayor Edward Koch


The President has keptall of the promises heintended to keep.

Clinton aide GeorgeStephanopolous speakingon Larry King Live

The President has keptThe President has keptall of the promises heall of the promises heintended to keep.intended to keep.

Clinton aide GeorgeClinton aide GeorgeStephanopolousStephanopolous speaking speakingon Larry King Liveon Larry King Live


The police are not hereto create disorder.They're here to preservedisorder.

Former Chicago mayorDaley during the infamous1968 convention

The police are not hereThe police are not hereto create disorder.to create disorder.They're here to preserveThey're here to preservedisorder.disorder.

Former Chicago mayorFormer Chicago mayorDaleyDaley during the infamous during the infamous1968 convention1968 convention

Political Wisdom


If you've seen oneredwood tree, you'veseen them all.

Forestry expert RonaldReagan

If you've seen oneIf you've seen oneredwood tree, you'veredwood tree, you'veseen them all.seen them all.

Forestry expert RonaldForestry expert RonaldReaganReagan


China is a big country,inhabited by manyChinese.

Former French PresidentCharles de Gaulle

China is a big country,China is a big country,inhabited by manyinhabited by manyChinese.Chinese.

Former French PresidentFormer French PresidentCharles de GaulleCharles de Gaulle


What a waste it is to loseone's mind. or not to have amind is being verywasteful. How true that is.

Dan Quayle at a fund raising eventfor the United Negro College Fund.He was attempting to quote the line amind is a terrible thing to waste.

What a waste it is to loseWhat a waste it is to loseone's mind. or not to have aone's mind. or not to have amind is being verymind is being verywasteful. How true that is.wasteful. How true that is.

DanDan Quayle Quayle at a fund raising event at a fund raising eventfor the United Negro College Fund.for the United Negro College Fund.He was attempting to quote the line aHe was attempting to quote the line amind is a terrible thing to wastemind is a terrible thing to waste..


At present there aresuch goings on thateverything is at astandstill.

Sir Boyle Roche

At present there aresuch goings on thateverything is at astandstill.

Sir Boyle Roche


I haven’t committed acrime, what I did was failto comply with the law.

New York mayor David Dinkins

I haven’t committed acrime, what I did was failto comply with the law.

New York mayor David Dinkins


This is still the greatestcountry in the world ifwe just steel our willsand lose our minds.

Bill Clinton

This is still the greatestcountry in the world ifwe just steel our willsand lose our minds.

Bill Clinton

Political Wisdom


We lie by not telling youthings - not by telling youthings that aren’t true.

Unnamed US official

We lie by not telling youthings - not by telling youthings that aren’t true.

Unnamed US official


I have no idea whatstatement was issued,but I stand behind it100 percent.

Bush Budget directorRichard Darman

I have no idea whatstatement was issued,but I stand behind it100 percent.

Bush Budget directorRichard Darman


You can’t just letnature run wild.

Alaska governor Walter Hickelexplaining why he wanted thestate to kills hundreds ofwolves

You can’t just letnature run wild.

Alaska governor Walter Hickelexplaining why he wanted thestate to kills hundreds ofwolves


This event isunparalyzed in thestate’s history.

Texas House speaker Gib Lewis

This event isunparalyzed in thestate’s history.

Texas House speaker Gib Lewis


The only way toprevent what’s past isto put a stop to itbefore it happens.

Sir Boyle Roche

The only way toprevent what’s past isto put a stop to itbefore it happens.

Sir Boyle Roche


That question is toosuppository.

Secretary of StateAlexander Haig

That question is toosuppository.

Secretary of StateAlexander Haig

Political Wisdom


We should developanti-satellite weapons,because we could nothave prevailed withoutthem in Red StormRising.

Dan Quayle

We should developanti-satellite weapons,because we could nothave prevailed withoutthem in Red StormRising.

Dan Quayle


On behalf of all of you, Iwant to express myappreciation for thistremendously warmrecession.

Democratic National Committeechairman Ron Brown

On behalf of all of you, Iwant to express myappreciation for thistremendously warmrecession.

Democratic National Committeechairman Ron Brown


I want to thank each &every one of you forhaving extinguishedyourself this session.

Texas House speaker ofGib Lewis

I want to thank each &every one of you forhaving extinguishedyourself this session.

Texas House speaker ofGib Lewis


Some reporters say Idon’t have vision. Idon’t see that.


Some reporters say Idon’t have vision. Idon’t see that.



We have no politicalprisoners - onlyCommunists & peoplewho disagree with ourruleSouth Korean PresidentPark Chung Hee

We have no politicalprisoners - onlyCommunists & peoplewho disagree with ourruleSouth Korean PresidentPark Chung Hee


I can’t believe thatwe are going to let amajority of thepeople decide what’sbest for the state

Louisiana state representativeJohn Travis

I can’t believe thatwe are going to let amajority of thepeople decide what’sbest for the state

Louisiana state representativeJohn Travis

Political Wisdom


Democracy used tobe a good thing, butnow it has gotteninto the wronghands

Senator Jesse Helms

Democracy used tobe a good thing, butnow it has gotteninto the wronghands

Senator Jesse Helms


You’re so damnedconcerned with whatthe public thinks thatit gets in the way ofwhat’s best for usVista, California city councilmember Jeanette Smith

You’re so damnedconcerned with whatthe public thinks thatit gets in the way ofwhat’s best for usVista, California city councilmember Jeanette Smith


A zebra cannotchange its spots

Al Gore

A zebra cannotchange its spots

Al Gore


That’s the way thecookie bounces

New Orleans mayor Vic Schira

That’s the way thecookie bounces

New Orleans mayor Vic Schira


We are trying tochange the 1974constitution, wheneverthat was passed

Louisiana representative DonaldRay Kennard

We are trying tochange the 1974constitution, wheneverthat was passed

Louisiana representative DonaldRay Kennard


Sixty years of progress,without change

Slogan developed by Saudi Arabiangovernment to celebrate thekingdom’s 60th anniverary

Sixty years of progress,without change

Slogan developed by Saudi Arabiangovernment to celebrate thekingdom’s 60th anniverary

Political Wisdom


More education isnot a pancreas

Mississippi state legislator

More education isnot a pancreas

Mississippi state legislator


My wife has a very majorcause & a very majorinterest that is a complex& time-consuming issuefor her…and that’s me

Dan Quayle

My wife has a very majorcause & a very majorinterest that is a complex& time-consuming issuefor her…and that’s me

Dan Quayle


Eight more days & Ican start telling thetruth again

Senator Chris Dodd commentingon election campaigning

Eight more days & Ican start telling thetruth again

Senator Chris Dodd commentingon election campaigning


Except for his tendencyto get angry, arrogant &sulky, he’s mostqualified

Noboru Takeshita, former Japaneseprime mininster

Except for his tendencyto get angry, arrogant &sulky, he’s mostqualified

Noboru Takeshita, former Japaneseprime mininster


He kept the promiseshe meant to keep

George Stephanopoulos, formerClinton press secretary

He kept the promiseshe meant to keep

George Stephanopoulos, formerClinton press secretary


It was a mistake. It showsa lack of politeness to killpeople when the popeasks us not to do it

Guatemalan government official onthe execution of political prisonersjust before the pope’s visit

It was a mistake. It showsa lack of politeness to killpeople when the popeasks us not to do it

Guatemalan government official onthe execution of political prisonersjust before the pope’s visit

Political Wisdom


No matter where yougo, there you are

attributed to Toronto aldermanAllan Lambert

No matter where yougo, there you are

attributed to Toronto aldermanAllan Lambert


I think that incest canbe handled as a familymatter within the family

Jay Dickey (R, Ark)

I think that incest canbe handled as a familymatter within the family

Jay Dickey (R, Ark)


I’m glad I’m not Brezhnev.Being the Russian leaderin the Kremlin you neverknow if someone’s tape-recording what you say.

Richard Nixon

I’m glad I’m not Brezhnev.Being the Russian leaderin the Kremlin you neverknow if someone’s tape-recording what you say.

Richard Nixon


Give Bill a secondterm, and Al Gore,and I will be turnedloose to do what wereally want to do

Hillary Clinton

Give Bill a secondterm, and Al Gore,and I will be turnedloose to do what wereally want to do

Hillary Clinton


Anyone in hisposition needs to bewhiter than white

British MP Jill Knight on formerSouth African leader NelsonMandela

Anyone in hisposition needs to bewhiter than white

British MP Jill Knight on formerSouth African leader NelsonMandela


If this thing starts tosnowball, it willcatch fire rightacross the country

Canadian politician RobertThompson

If this thing starts tosnowball, it willcatch fire rightacross the country

Canadian politician RobertThompson

Political Wisdom


My appetite is so goodthat I can eat the tablecloth right off the chair

Representative Joe Moakley(D Mass)

My appetite is so goodthat I can eat the tablecloth right off the chair

Representative Joe Moakley(D Mass)


When I need a littleadvice about SaddamHussein, I turn tocountry music


When I need a littleadvice about SaddamHussein, I turn tocountry music



We need laws thatprotect everyone. Men& women, straights &gays, regardless ofsexual perversion…ah,pesuasion

Bella Abzug, New York politician

We need laws thatprotect everyone. Men& women, straights &gays, regardless ofsexual perversion…ah,pesuasion

Bella Abzug, New York politicianPolitical Wisdom Through the AgesPolitical Wisdom Through the Ages

If we (legislators) don’twatch our respectivetails, the people aregoing to be runningthe government

Bill Craven, California statesenataor

If we (legislators) don’twatch our respectivetails, the people aregoing to be runningthe government

Bill Craven, California statesenataor


She’s a wonderful,wonderful person, &we’re looking forwardto a happy & wonderfulnight...uh life together

Ted Kennedy talking about hisfiancee Victoria Reggie

She’s a wonderful,wonderful person, &we’re looking forwardto a happy & wonderfulnight...uh life together

Ted Kennedy talking about hisfiancee Victoria Reggie


I think that Bill Clintonshould have made it veryclear to Monica, so herfamily, all those forces needto feel that there’s no fallguy. The responsibilityshould have been in his lap

Reverend Jesse Jackson

I think that Bill Clintonshould have made it veryclear to Monica, so herfamily, all those forces needto feel that there’s no fallguy. The responsibilityshould have been in his lap

Reverend Jesse Jackson

Political Wisdom


Bill Clinton should lay iton the table & let theAmerican people decide

Congressman overheardcommenting on Clinton scandal

Bill Clinton should lay iton the table & let theAmerican people decide

Congressman overheardcommenting on Clinton scandal


Things happen morefrequently in the futurethan they do in thepast

Washington governor BoothGardner

Things happen morefrequently in the futurethan they do in thepast

Washington governor BoothGardner


Sooner or later, Ineed to do what anycandidate does in apresidential race, Ineed to begin to win

Lamar Alexander

Sooner or later, Ineed to do what anycandidate does in apresidential race, Ineed to begin to win

Lamar Alexander


Mr. Nixon was the37th President of theUnited States. Hewas preceded by 36others

Gerald Ford

Mr. Nixon was the37th President of theUnited States. Hewas preceded by 36others

Gerald Ford


Boy, they sure werebig on crematoriums,weren’t they?

Former President George Bushon a tour of Auschwitz in 1988

Boy, they sure werebig on crematoriums,weren’t they?

Former President George Bushon a tour of Auschwitz in 1988


Ladies, I have heresome figures which Iwant you to take homein your heads, which Iknow are concrete

James McSheehy, San Franciscopolitician

Ladies, I have heresome figures which Iwant you to take homein your heads, which Iknow are concrete


Political Wisdom


Hawaii has alwaysbeen a very pivotal rolein the Pacific. It is inthe Pacific. It is part ofthe US that is an islandthat is right here.Dan Quayle

Hawaii has alwaysbeen a very pivotal rolein the Pacific. It is inthe Pacific. It is part ofthe US that is an islandthat is right here.Dan Quayle


The honorable memberdisagrees. I can hearhim shaking his head.

Former Canadian Prime MinisterPierre Trudeau

The honorable memberdisagrees. I can hearhim shaking his head.

Former Canadian Prime MinisterPierre Trudeau


All you have to do toprotect yourself fromradiation is go down tothe bottom of yourswimming pool & holdyour breath

David Miller, Department of Energyspokesman

All you have to do toprotect yourself fromradiation is go down tothe bottom of yourswimming pool & holdyour breath

David Miller, Department of Energyspokesman


We, as Republicans,need to start rowingwith one oar

Representative John Kasich(R. Ohio)

We, as Republicans,need to start rowingwith one oar

Representative John Kasich(R. Ohio)


Like most women,my wife thinks withher glands, not withher head

Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield

Like most women,my wife thinks withher glands, not withher head

Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield


I don’t have the brainsfor business. I want togo into politics

Man Xinyu, grandson of MaoZedong laying out his career plans

I don’t have the brainsfor business. I want togo into politics

Man Xinyu, grandson of MaoZedong laying out his career plans

Political Wisdom


The President doesn’twant any yes-men &yes-women aroundhim. When he says no,we all say no

Elizabeth Dole, assistant publicliaison to President Reagan

The President doesn’twant any yes-men &yes-women aroundhim. When he says no,we all say no

Elizabeth Dole, assistant publicliaison to President Reagan


I think that we are onan irreversible trendtoward more freedom& democracy… butthis could change

Dan Quayle

I think that we are onan irreversible trendtoward more freedom& democracy… butthis could change

Dan Quayle


This amendmentdoes more damagethan it does harm

Louisiana representativeCynthia Willard-Lewis

This amendmentdoes more damagethan it does harm

Louisiana representativeCynthia Willard-Lewis


We lie by not tellingyou things…we don’tlie by telling you thingsthat aren’t true

unnamed US official quoted inNewsday

We lie by not tellingyou things…we don’tlie by telling you thingsthat aren’t true

unnamed US official quoted inNewsday


Even if he were mediocre,there are a lot of mediocrejudges & people & lawyers.Don’t they deserve somerepresentation on the court

Roman Hruska, Republican Senator fromNebraska, commenting on thenomination of Harold Carswell to theSupreme Court

Even if he were mediocre,there are a lot of mediocrejudges & people & lawyers.Don’t they deserve somerepresentation on the court

Roman Hruska, Republican Senator fromNebraska, commenting on thenomination of Harold Carswell to theSupreme Court


Men are biologicallydriven to go out & huntgiraffes

Newt Gingrich in a lecture entitled“Renewing American Civilization”

Men are biologicallydriven to go out & huntgiraffes

Newt Gingrich in a lecture entitled“Renewing American Civilization”

Political Wisdom


I said last week that I wastrying to keep a lid on mypowder, but now it’s timeto fight fire with fire

Senator Robert Packwood(R Oregon) in response tosuggestions of sexual harassment

I said last week that I wastrying to keep a lid on mypowder, but now it’s timeto fight fire with fire

Senator Robert Packwood(R Oregon) in response tosuggestions of sexual harassment


I want to have all myducks in a row so thatif we did get into asituation, we couldpretty much slam-dunkthis thing & put it to bed

Mayor Lee Cooke of Austin, Texas

I want to have all myducks in a row so thatif we did get into asituation, we couldpretty much slam-dunkthis thing & put it to bed

Mayor Lee Cooke of Austin, Texas


Why can’t the Jews &the Arabs just sit downtogether & settle thislike good Christians

an unnamed senator

Why can’t the Jews &the Arabs just sit downtogether & settle thislike good Christians

an unnamed senator


What a waste it is tolose one’s mind - ornot to have a mind.How true that is

Dan Quayle addressing the UnitedNegro College Fund & messing uptheir slogan “A mind is a terriblething to waste”

What a waste it is tolose one’s mind - ornot to have a mind.How true that is

Dan Quayle addressing the UnitedNegro College Fund & messing uptheir slogan “A mind is a terriblething to waste”


Then I misquoted thenI misspoke myself. I’mstill exploring

George W Bush commenting onwhether or not he would run forPresident

Then I misquoted thenI misspoke myself. I’mstill exploring

George W Bush commenting onwhether or not he would run forPresident


This has all the earmarksof an eyesore


This has all the earmarksof an eyesore


Political Wisdom


You know, if I were asingle man, I might askthat mummy out. That’sa good looking mummy!

Bill Clinton looking at a recentlydiscovered Inca mummy “Juanita”

You know, if I were asingle man, I might askthat mummy out. That’sa good looking mummy!

Bill Clinton looking at a recentlydiscovered Inca mummy “Juanita”


I resent yourinsinuendoes


I resent yourinsinuendoes



When the Presidentdoes it, that meansit‘s not illegal

Richard Nixon

When the Presidentdoes it, that meansit‘s not illegal

Richard Nixon


I intend to open thiscountry up todemocracy & anyonewho is against that, Iwill jail, I will crush

Brazil President Joao Figueiredo

I intend to open thiscountry up todemocracy & anyonewho is against that, Iwill jail, I will crush

Brazil President Joao Figueiredo


I have opinions of myown - strong opinions -but I don’t alwaysagree with them


I have opinions of myown - strong opinions -but I don’t alwaysagree with them



Are they taking DDT?

Dan Quayle asking doctors at aManhattan AIDS clinic about theirtreatment of choice - & meaningto refer to AZT

Are they taking DDT?

Dan Quayle asking doctors at aManhattan AIDS clinic about theirtreatment of choice - & meaningto refer to AZT

Political Wisdom


Now the only thing thatremains unresolved isthe resolution of theproblem

Thomas Wells, Ontario minister ofeducation

Now the only thing thatremains unresolved isthe resolution of theproblem

Thomas Wells, Ontario minister ofeducation


Get the thing straightonce & for all. Thepoliceman isn’t thereto create disorder. Thepoliceman is there topreserve disorder


Get the thing straightonce & for all. Thepoliceman isn’t thereto create disorder. Thepoliceman is there topreserve disorder



Remember, there’sonly one taxpayer -you & me

Calgary councilman John Kushner

Remember, there’sonly one taxpayer -you & me



There are some thatsay there are so manywomen now on thefloor of the Congress,it looks like a mall

Rep Henry Hyde (R. Ill)

There are some thatsay there are so manywomen now on thefloor of the Congress,it looks like a mall

Rep Henry Hyde (R. Ill)


I don’t know anyonehere that’s been killedwith a handgun

Rep Avery Alexander (Dem, LA)during debate on gun control

I don’t know anyonehere that’s been killedwith a handgun

Rep Avery Alexander (Dem, LA)during debate on gun control


Today the real problemis the future

Richard J Daley, mayor of Chicago

Today the real problemis the future

Richard J Daley, mayor of Chicago

Political Wisdom


I made no attempt tobe inaccurate, but Iwant to be clear that Iwas not attempting tobe precise

Treasury chief of staff Josh Steiner

I made no attempt tobe inaccurate, but Iwant to be clear that Iwas not attempting tobe precise

Treasury chief of staff Josh Steiner


That’s a good question& let me state theproblem more clearlywithout going toodeeply into the answer

National Security ChiefBrent Scowcroft

That’s a good question& let me state theproblem more clearlywithout going toodeeply into the answer

National Security ChiefBrent Scowcroft


I’m not going todiscuss what I’m goingto bring up…even if Idon’t discuss it, I’m notgoing to discuss it


I’m not going todiscuss what I’m goingto bring up…even if Idon’t discuss it, I’m notgoing to discuss it



We’d like to avoidproblems, becausewhen we haveproblems, we canhave troubles

Arizona governor Wesley Bolin

We’d like to avoidproblems, becausewhen we haveproblems, we canhave troubles

Arizona governor Wesley Bolin


I promise you a policecar on every sidewalk

Mayor Marion Barry of DC

I promise you a policecar on every sidewalk

Mayor Marion Barry of DC


The press says thatthe public has a rightto know everything.That’s a load ofgarbage

CIA spokesman George Lauder

The press says thatthe public has a rightto know everything.That’s a load ofgarbage

CIA spokesman George Lauder

Political Wisdom


It makes it morecomfortable foreveryone

Virginia Corrections Departmentofficial on decision to install a newair-conditioning system in theexecution room

It makes it morecomfortable foreveryone

Virginia Corrections Departmentofficial on decision to install a newair-conditioning system in theexecution room


Anyone can be electedgovernor. I’m proof ofthat

Governor Joe Frank Harris ofGeorgia

Anyone can be electedgovernor. I’m proof ofthat

Governor Joe Frank Harris ofGeorgia


What does an actorknow about politics?

Ronald Reagan complainingabout Screen Actors GuildPresident Ed Asner speaking outon US foreign policy

What does an actorknow about politics?

Ronald Reagan complainingabout Screen Actors GuildPresident Ed Asner speaking outon US foreign policy


The spontaneous rallywill begin at 1:45

Mike Murphy, adviser to LamarAlexander in his bid for theRepublican Presidentialnomination

The spontaneous rallywill begin at 1:45

Mike Murphy, adviser to LamarAlexander in his bid for theRepublican Presidentialnomination


The first blackPresident will haveto be a politicianwho is black

JD Wilder, governor of Virginia

The first blackPresident will haveto be a politicianwho is black

JD Wilder, governor of Virginia


Following a nuclearattack on the US, theUS Postal Serviceplans to distributeEmergency Change ofAddress cards

US Federal Emergency Agency

Following a nuclearattack on the US, theUS Postal Serviceplans to distributeEmergency Change ofAddress cards

US Federal Emergency Agency

Political Wisdom


One of my rolemodels, Xena theWarrior Princess,comes from here

Secretary of State MadelineAlbright during a trip to NewZealand

One of my rolemodels, Xena theWarrior Princess,comes from here

Secretary of State MadelineAlbright during a trip to NewZealand


Speaking of animals,he married his wifeSuzanne when he wasin college

Utah governor Mike Leavittintroducing Senator Larry Craig

Speaking of animals,he married his wifeSuzanne when he wasin college

Utah governor Mike Leavittintroducing Senator Larry Craig


I would have made agood pope

Richard Nixon

I would have made agood pope

Richard Nixon


There are lots of thingswe do that areirrelevant, but that’swhat the Senate is for

Senator Alan Simpson

There are lots of thingswe do that areirrelevant, but that’swhat the Senate is for

Senator Alan Simpson


If pro is the opposite ofcon, then what’s theopposite of progress?

Congress

Ian Jukes

If pro is the opposite ofcon, then what’s theopposite of progress?

Congress

Ian Jukes


The skin is animportant interfacebetween man & theenvironment

From the OHSA documenton skin diseases

The skin is animportant interfacebetween man & theenvironment

From the OHSA documenton skin diseases

Political Wisdom


Drinking is the causeof psoriasis

Secretary of Health DonnaShalala, intending to refer tocirrhosis, the liver disease,instead of the heartbreak ofpsoriasis, the skin disease

Drinking is the causeof psoriasis

Secretary of Health DonnaShalala, intending to refer tocirrhosis, the liver disease,instead of the heartbreak ofpsoriasis, the skin disease


I don’t want anyinformation, I just wantthe facts


I don’t want anyinformation, I just wantthe facts



Tudors needed

Jim Bacchus, Floridacongressman, in a letter to otherrepresentatives looking forvolunteers to tutor under-achieving high school students

Tudors needed

Jim Bacchus, Floridacongressman, in a letter to otherrepresentatives looking forvolunteers to tutor under-achieving high school students


Only one thing wouldbe worse than thestatus quo. And thatwould be for the statusquo to become thenorm

Elizabeth Dole, while campaigning

Only one thing wouldbe worse than thestatus quo. And thatwould be for the statusquo to become thenorm

Elizabeth Dole, while campaigning


I cook occasionallyjust to see how easywomen’s work is

House SpeakerTip O’Neill

I cook occasionallyjust to see how easywomen’s work is

House SpeakerTip O’Neill


Do you know whyGod created women?Because sheep don’ttype

Texas state senatorKenneth Armbrister

Do you know whyGod created women?Because sheep don’ttype

Texas state senatorKenneth Armbrister

Political Wisdom


Don’t just talk in words

Tom Wells, Ontario educationminister

Don’t just talk in words

Tom Wells, Ontario educationminister


Please burn beforereading

1972 White House memo on illegalcampaign tactics being plannedagainst Democratic candidateGeorge McGovern

Please burn beforereading

1972 White House memo on illegalcampaign tactics being plannedagainst Democratic candidateGeorge McGovern


I will not tolerateintolerance

Senator Bob Dole

I will not tolerateintolerance

Senator Bob Dole


I don’t deny that torturecontinues to be used inthis country, but thereare strict orders to thearmy not to use tortureErnesto Geisel, President of Brazil

I don’t deny that torturecontinues to be used inthis country, but thereare strict orders to thearmy not to use tortureErnesto Geisel, President of Brazil


A tree’s a tree. Howmany more do youneed to look at?

Ronald Reagan

A tree’s a tree. Howmany more do youneed to look at?

Ronald Reagan


That is true - but notabsolutely true

Montreal mayor JeanDrapeau

That is true - but notabsolutely true

Montreal mayor JeanDrapeau

Political Wisdom


This is the truth, butit’s a lie

Futurist Ted McCain

This is the truth, butit’s a lie

Futurist Ted McCain


Our cabinet is alwaysunanimous, exceptwhen we disagree

BC Premier Bill Bennett

Our cabinet is alwaysunanimous, exceptwhen we disagree

BC Premier Bill Bennett


For 7 1/2 years I’ve workedalongside President Reagan.We’ve had triumphs. Madesome mistakes. We’ve hadsome sex… uh, setbacks.

Former President George Bush(then campaigning)

For 7 1/2 years I’ve workedalongside President Reagan.We’ve had triumphs. Madesome mistakes. We’ve hadsome sex… uh, setbacks.

Former President George Bush(then campaigning)


I haven’t been toMichigan since thelast time I was there

Dan Quayle

I haven’t been toMichigan since thelast time I was there

Dan Quayle


If somebody is gong tostab me in the back, Iwanna be there

Toronto councilman Allan Lambert

If somebody is gong tostab me in the back, Iwanna be there

Toronto councilman Allan Lambert


I admit Mines MinisterErcola has a nicebody, but it’s too badit’s connected to hermouth

Gordon Taylor, CanadianMP

I admit Mines MinisterErcola has a nicebody, but it’s too badit’s connected to hermouth

Gordon Taylor, CanadianMP

Political Wisdom


And now will y’all stand& be recognized?

Gib Lewis, Texas Speaker of theHouse, on Disability Day, to a groupof people in wheelchairs watchingthe House session

And now will y’all stand& be recognized?

Gib Lewis, Texas Speaker of theHouse, on Disability Day, to a groupof people in wheelchairs watchingthe House session


Do you come hereoften?

Senator Ted Kennedy (D Mass)politely chatting with a soup-kitchen patron

Do you come hereoften?

Senator Ted Kennedy (D Mass)politely chatting with a soup-kitchen patron


Let me give you alittle serious politicaladvice. One singleword. Puppies. Worththe points.


Let me give you alittle serious politicaladvice. One singleword. Puppies. Worththe points.



She is my whole heart,that one. And it only addsto her charm that she isof Cuban distraction

Hugh Rodham - Hillary Clinton’sbrother, running for Senate,talking about his wife

She is my whole heart,that one. And it only addsto her charm that she isof Cuban distraction

Hugh Rodham - Hillary Clinton’sbrother, running for Senate,talking about his wife


Mr. Speaker! Mr.Speaker! Won’t youplease bang that thingof yours on the table?Agnes Kripps, Canadian politician,to the Speaker of the BClegislature, during a heateddiscussion on sexual terminology

Mr. Speaker! Mr.Speaker! Won’t youplease bang that thingof yours on the table?Agnes Kripps, Canadian politician,to the Speaker of the BClegislature, during a heateddiscussion on sexual terminology


Don’t believe any falserumors unless youhear them from me

New Orleans mayor Vic Schiro

Don’t believe any falserumors unless youhear them from me

New Orleans mayor Vic Schiro

Political wisdom through the Ages

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