Quotes About Government

From the beginning of the presidential nominating conventions in the 1830's really through the 1950's, you had conventions that actually did real business.

No one can change the definition of what behavior is presidential because that definition fundamentally depends on what our form of government requires, not on what one individual prefers.

I don't doubt that there are many presidential acts that would constitute obstructions of justice if anyone but the president engaged in them but which constitute legitimate exercises of presidential power when the president engages in them.

The Founders deliberately limited presidential authority.

For presidential power to meaningfully expand, it is not enough for a president to simply make a power grab.

Midterm elections, by nature, just aren't about the party that's out of power. But presidential years are different.

Governorships and Senate seats are the most common stepping-stone offices for presidential campaigns, and U.S. House seats are the most common stepping-stone positions for statewide campaigns.

After Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, I was heartened to see him issue an Open Government Initiative on his first full day in office.

In my opinion governors don't make the best presidents. That's my opinion and it's because they don't have the foreign policy experience and they have to learn on the job.

Presidents do not go off on leave without telling the country.

All presidents get frustrated with Congress.

The U.S. needs to do more than change presidents. It needs to change its political culture.

Presidents are nice people. They're nice, fun-loving people who have great jobs.

We see more and more of our Presidents and know less and less about what they do.

I have worked with Presidents since Eisenhower. We serve together.

I think George Bush is one of the most duplicitous presidents we've ever had.

Is it 'left' to insist that presidents and CIA directors adhere to the law? I don't think so. I think it's American.

If you look at where presidents come from, they're former governors or senators.

Since 1775, when the first Continental Congress called for a national day of prayer, there have been such events called for by almost every President. I saw the figures - 34 out of 44 Presidents have called for a national day of prayer. Some of those who didn't have died in office.

As far as I know, all the presidents know about Area 51. It would almost be impossible for them not to.

When the going gets tough in Washington, presidents appoint 'blue ribbon' commissions.

Occasionally, you see presidents come in and provide a clear change in direction of leadership.

Presidents and cabinet officials could send a strong message of accountability if they held senior appointees responsible for their performance.

Calvin Coolidge was one of the best presidents. Why? Because he did absolutely nothing.