Gore speaks to America as if English is its second language; George W. speaks as if English is his second language.

There's a Washington standard of casually putting things off the record. It's really gone too far. I don't know an easy way to turn it back.

When I came back to Washington to be The Times' chief congressional correspondent in 1991, I was looking for a book subject, and Ted Kennedy stood out for two reasons.

Ted Kennedy's achievements as a senator have towered over his time, changing the lives of far more Americans than remember the name Mary Jo Kopechne.

I thought writing about somebody current would be a little closer to what I'm used to doing.

I will go to my grave in a state of abject endless fascination that we all have the capacity to become emotionally involved with a personality that doesn't exist.

Thinking to do or not to do is not the right thing to do, just think the right way and do it

The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep.

There is one excuse for every mistake a man can make, but only one. When a fellow makes the same mistake twice he's got to throw up both hands and own up to carelessness or cussedness.

I think that's the best way to see things, especially this kind of play where there's no pyrotechnics, it's literally just people talking.

I'd like to keep doing film and TV, and I definitely can appreciate a good theme song. If it's memorable, that's a great thing.

My reason for coming out isn't to be some sort of hero.

Invention is the mother of necessity.

My age makes all my wrinkles and gray hair make sense.