Quotes About Polk

The agitation of the slavery question is mischievous and wicked, and proceeds from no patriotic motive by its authors," Polk wrote in late December 1848.

After acquiring Texas, Polk deliberately started a war with Mexico because, as he later told the historian George Bancroft, we had to acquire California. Thanks to Polk, we did.

John Quincy Adams was convinced that Polk's election meant the end of the civilized world

I heard the opening bar of 'Help' as I headed down Polk Street. Every single time I've heard that tune I've taken it as some message from God, a warning of things to come, a perfect description of my mashed-potato character