Speaking Frankly

"A year ago, we were being told, you have to deregulate more. Now, we are going to have to save capitalism from the capitalists."

As quoted in the Boston Globe article, "A Government Cure to the Sliding Economy"

"The problem with the war in Iraq is not so much the intelligence as the stupidity."

"One of the problems you have in politics is people don't ever want to disagree with their friends. Politicians get a lot of undeserved credit for standing up to their enemies. It's not only easy to stand up to your enemies; if you're a politician, it's generally profitable. The hardest thing to do is to stand up to your friends when you think they're wrong."

“There is a correlation between people who attack same-sex marriage and have difficulty maintaining their own.”

Gridiron Dinner, December 5, 2009

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"We have a besetting sin today in our politics where people think that you show your depth of commitment to a cause by rigidity, not just by rigidity, but impugning the motives of those on your side who try to get something done."

"Rather than the boy who cried wolf, George Bush is the reverse. He claims that there is nothing wrong when there is. He's the boy who cried, 'Nice doggie.'"

Critiquing George W. Bush, for being unable to face the reality of the war in Iraq and with the economy

Some adults will spend their money foolishly, but it is not the purpose of the federal government to prevent them legally from doing it

“People talk about how a rising tide lifts all boats.”

“For some people a rising tide is a very bad thing. For people who don’t have a boat and who are standing on their tip toes to keep their heads above water, a rising tide is not a welcome prospect.”

Financial Services Committee hearing, 12/9/09

"Selling out is an overrated phenomenon. If selling out paid better, I wouldn't have to be here tonight."

Gridiron Dinner, December 5, 2009

People are rightly upset about the role of big money in politics. And it’s true that big money will win if it’s got the field to itself. But if you get the average voter involved and engage the collective weight of public opinion you will kick big money’s ass.

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