Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to answer a simple but a complex question and, in doing so, to acknowledge and to honor the work of one of the most dedicated, gracious, thoughtful, decent public servants I have ever known: my chief of staff, Jonathan Stahler. The question I am answering is: Who is this man, this Jonathan Stahler; and why was I so blessed to have the years I have enjoyed, to serve alongside him; and what has his impact been on my office, my State, this Senate, and me? After close to 18 years in the Senate--5 years with former Senator Bayh of Indiana and nearly 13 in my office--Jonathan is embarking on a new journey. He is headed to the north to serve at the United Nations as Chief of Staff to our Ambassadors there, and his last day with this institution and my team is fast approaching. I have given other floor speeches. I have had other departing dedicated and talented staff. Jonathan hired nearly all of them. Jonathan, uniquely, among those I have thanked and honored, has played an absolutely central--a central--role in shaping my office, in transforming the culture, and in delivering a harmonious, productive, supportive team. He hired, mentored, and motivated great leaders. My team is immeasurably better because of Jonathan's values, his commitment to public service, and his focus on others. Let's take a little biographical tour first.…”