Political Quotes

“in the opening pages of his acclaimed biography, ``Master of the Senate,'' Robert Caro describes Lyndon Johnson in his prime, as majority leader. He recalls how LBJ would come barreling through those swinging double doors in the Democratic cloakroom and stride out onto this floor--all 6-feet 4-inches of him-- looking for that last vote he needed to carry his cause. He was, Caro said, like a force of nature. As the Democratic whip, I have the privilege of occupying an office in this building that LBJ used when he was majority leader of the Senate. This afternoon, I had the privilege of meeting in that office with a longtime assistant of LBJ's, Ashton Gonella. Mrs. Gonella regaled my staff and about how the office was arranged then, and what it was like to work for Lyndon Johnson. She said that her desk was located in an outer office, just outside LBJ's office. At 5 o'clock each evening is when the real negotiating began, she said. Part of her job was to spot a Senator as he walked down the hall, headed for an appointment with LBJ, and have that Senator's favorite drink mixed and ready for him by the time he reached her desk. The Senator would then walk in to see the majority leader and together, they would see if they couldn't find some way to reach an honorable compromise on the issue at hand. Those were different days in the Senate. If you come to my office today, the strongest drink you are likely to be offered is a cup of coffee or a soda.…”