Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague from New York and my colleague from Missouri who was here a moment ago and all those who came to the floor to talk. I assume my colleagues are aware of the fact that all across America there have been cable TV subscribers who have been calling in and asking for a refund because when they turned on C-SPAN to see the Senate they saw an empty Chamber and nothing going on, and at least now we give them a little activity on the Senate floor. But, unfortunately, that activity is not going to lead to anything meaningful. The Senator from New York even offers a legislative idea that doesn't seem to be greeted by any applause on the other side or any counteroffer of any conciliatory magnitude. I was at the meeting the Senator talked about yesterday, and it was a historic meeting with the President and Senator Kyl, Senator McConnell, Senator Reid, myself, the President, the leaders of the House, as well and some members of the President's Cabinet--Secretary Geithner, for example. Vice President Biden was there. I would say the reports generally have been accurate, that the President said: I want to change the environment, I want to change the dialog, I want there to be more meetings like this, open to suggestions from the other side about how we can work together and solve the problems facing our Nation.”