Political Quotes

“I cannot find the words I want for Mike Mansfield--their meaning--and put them together like our good friend from West Virginia. He knew Michael almost as long as I did. But Mike has moved on. His work here on Earth is done. His legacy will live as it will be placed among the archives as majority leader of the Senate, as a Member of the House of Representatives, and as an Ambassador to Japan. As a nation, we have been graced and blessed by great leaders who rose to uncommon levels in times of national crises. We, the Members of this Senate, are the benefactors of his stewardship. A thankful nation is the benefactor of his wisdom. I now occupy the seat once held by Mike. Thirteen years ago, I came to this body, and for 13 years Mike and I had breakfast every Wednesday morning the Senate was in session. He seldom missed. Those conversations were wonderful, and they were also very insightful. They were full of wisdom, information, and insight. Senator Byrd described him as a nonpartisan. That is 95 percent correct. But one cannot work in this system and not have some partisan leanings. No person in Washington, DC, was kinder or more helpful to a newly elected Member of the Senate than Mike Mansfield--even being on the other side of the aisle. I shall never be able to thank him enough or forget what he did for me.”