The office of president is a bastardized thing, half royalty and half democracy that nobody knows whether to genuflect or spit.

If you gather a lot of stuff, then you write it, write in scenes with dialogue. Somewhere in the middle, rising from all this research like strong metal towers, is your opinions.

Precious was one of a large number of people on the street, many of whom appeared to be women; some, like Precious, actually were.

Journalism should be truthful and entertaining. You know, with news and important facts you can entertain people too. Have a little humor. Life isn't all that deadly all the time, but while you're having fun, tell the truth. If every word of a column is deadly serious, I can't read it. It makes me throw up.

The professional arsonist builds vacant lots for money.

When you leave New York you ain't going anywhere.

Rage is ... This is Breslin's full quote: Rage is the only quality which has kept me, or anybody I have ever studied, writing columns for newspapers