Political Quotes

“I try to read the newspapers very well every day. I am one who reads the editorials. I read people such as E.J. Dionne, who represents important, progressive writers. But I am a fan of Robert Novak. That may surprise someone, but I read Robert Novak's column whenever it appears. It may also surprise people to know that I am a friend of Robert Novak. I don't agree with him much of the time, but some of the time I do. I want to start my presentation this morning following the suggestion made by the majority leader. In papers today all over the country is the column of Robert Novak. Among other things, he said--because of the legislative proposals we have before us that the leader says is our last chance--because of this ``Republicans cast doubt on what they really believe.'' He goes on to say, among other things, that ``A lame-duck committee chairman''--we all know that is Chairman Thomas--``overpowering Congress connotes weak leadership in both the House and the Senate and a President detached from legislative activity.'' I couldn't say it better myself. I give that to Bob Novak. He goes on to say that Thomas, last week, combined them with the extenders bill--minimum wage and estate tax legislation. He went on to say: Arrogant, acerbic and authoritarian, the chairman was going out with a bravura performance [refusing to walk across the Capitol to meet with Senators]. He refused to come to the Dirksen building.…”