The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.

We're in the hands of the state legislature and God, but at the moment, the state legislature has more to say than God.

When I was first elected I got 50% of the vote in '77 in the general election. In '81 I got 75%. In '85, I got 78%. No mayor has ever gotten that high a vote. So it was not an issue. Except for people who were very hostile to me. They thought they would injure me.

There was always a love-hate relationship with New York in the rest of the country, but I made them feel more love than hate.

The best way to lose weight is to close your mouth - something very difficult for a politician. Or watch your food - just watch it, don't eat it.

Deals are my art form. Other people paint beautifully on canvas or write wonderful poetry. I like making deals, preferably big deals. That's how I get my kicks.

I don't want to leave Manhattan, even when I'm gone.