America has to ask itself not what it wants, but what it can afford.

To me, the failure of liberalism - the tradition I come from - was not recognizing there has to be justice across the generations.

Many seniors understand that Social Security is social insurance as opposed to a program where we put money aside for our own retirement. But most elderly individuals think they're getting their money back. So it isn't selfishness as much as a misunderstanding.

Amnesty is a big billboard, a flashing billboard, to the rest of the world that we don't really mean our immigration law.

Let me offer you, metaphorically, two magic wands that have sweeping powers to change society. With one wand you could wipe out all racism and discrimination from the hearts and minds of white America. The other wand you could wave across the ghettoes and barrios of America and infuse the inhabitants with Japanese or Jewish values, respect for learning, and ambition. ... I suggest that the best wand for society and for those who live in the ghettoes and barrios would be the second wand.

I believe we all must face the fact of death. It is both gift and curse.

I have no permanent enemies - only people I have yet to persuade.