I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.

We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future.

Our task is not to fix blame for the past, but to fix the course for the future.

A rising tide (in the economy) lifts all boats.

Courage--judgment--integrity--dedication--these are the historic qualities of the Bay Colony and the Bay State....And these are the qualities which, with God's help, this son of Massachusetts hopes will characterize our government's conduct in the four stormy years that lie ahead.

Lofty words cannot construct an alliance or maintain it; only concrete deeds can do that.

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.