Political Quotes

“Mr. President, last night I was at home and received a message on my BlackBerry that Ambassador Richard Holbrooke had died. I felt very sad about that. He was such a nice man. He was the epitome in his dealings with me of a gentleman. Everyone who worked with him knew how hard he worked. I join many thousands of people who mourn the passing of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, a champion diplomat and my personal friend. Ambassador Holbrooke dedicated his entire life to foreign service, to keeping America safe through tough, sensible diplomacy. I will miss him, his friendship, his counsel. Our Nation will miss his tireless leadership and steady guidance of our foreign policy. I had the opportunity to work with him closely on a number of occasions during my tenure as majority leader. I appreciated our many conversations as insights into the central national security issues of the day. The world bears the imprints of Ambassador Holbrooke's efforts to bring peace and security to places torn by violence and conflict. From his early days in the Foreign Service to his leadership negotiating the Dayton Accords to latest efforts at stabilizing Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Holbrooke was always at the center of the toughest security challenges of a given era. America is safer and more respected around the world because of Richard Holbrooke. Our Nation mourns his passing. I offer my condolences to his family and loved ones during this most difficult time.…”