The Chinese describe themselves as political refugees. Many base that claim on China's strict population laws, which allow them to have only one child. But if we accept them as bona fide political refugees for that reason, doesn't it follow that people living in countries where abortion is illegal (such as Ireland and Poland) should also receive political asylum? After all, their country's policy is forcing them to give birth to unwanted children.

The knife of corruption endangered the life of New York City. The scalpel of the law is making us well again.

The very fact that I became mayor in 1977 conveys how you can't figure out what the people will do. Nobody thought I would be elected. When I entered I got four percent of the vote in the first poll, four percent.

In a neighborhood, as in life, a clean bandage is much, much better than a raw or festering wound.

You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it's good for one's self-respect to be a punching bag.

If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.

Maybe he just looks good compared to the bores he's running against.