In another life, before taking the veil of journalistic purity, I practiced the black arts of a political operative, including 'debate prep.

After immersing myself in the mysteries of the Electoral College for a novel I wrote in the '90s, I came away believing that the case for scrapping it is less obvious than I originally thought.

The niftiest turn of phrase, the most elegant flight of rhetorical fancy, isn't worth beans next to a clear thought clearly expressed.

Somebody is going to have to do fancy footwork to make sure Elizabeth and John Edwards get their prime-time shot .

More things in politics happen by accident or exhaustion than happen by conspiracy.

Something about her eyes or voice has always suggested the hint of a free spirit, trapped in a Peck and Peck cage, dreaming of making rude noises at public gatherings of Republicans.

In every debate, whatever the format, whatever the questions, there is one and only one way to identify the winner: Who commands the room? Who drives the narrative? Who is in charge?

History doesn't turn on a dime; it turns on a plugged nickel.

F.D.R. had to deal with Southern segregationists - and outright racists - who held power in Congress, so he had to yield to that power in order to get his New Deal legislation passed.

In politics, Bugs Bunny always beats Daffy Duck. Daffy's always going berserk, jumping up and down, yelling. Bugs's got that sly smile, like he always knows what's up, like nothing can ruffle him.

Television is one of the most fickle businesses that there are, you are in favour one minute and out the next.

I believe this not in the sense that it is part of my creed, but in the sense that it is one of my opinions. My religion would not be in ruins if this opinion were shown to be false.

The beauty of life is a great wonder.

It's a sadness that has been knocking at my door for a long time, and I finally let it in.

Art is a mirror of time, it must reflect a moment.

In half an hour, I'll know more than you do.

The best models in the industry are the ones who feel comfortable on the set. If she doesn't feel comfortable, the images won't be beautiful.

A person who is careless about money is careless about everything, and untrustworthy in everything.

All of my problems are rather complicated - I need an entire novel to deal with them, not a short story or a movie. It's like a personal therapy.

It's always positive to hear how many people are willing to step up - whether it is the employment community, mental health community, or medical community.

Equality of two domestic powers Breeds scrupulous faction.