John F. Kennedy responded, as he often did when at his best, skillfully mixing dollops of wit with, self-deprecation, and the principle of not-really-going-near-the-question.

While JFK had made the sale on a political level, he had not yet completed it on an emotional one.

Organizing a coup was not the same as wanting one.

Nixon was by nature a excluder. Halderman like to exclude people. When Nixon's need met Halderman's abilities, you had the most perfect formula for disaster. – Jim Shepley

Richard Nixon coveted, to the point of obsession, a controversy-free, stage-managed coronation.

Nixon wanted view and advice brought to him through intermediaries. He wanted information filtered as it came to him – and he wanted his filters to filter his will back to those whom he must direct.

Eisenhower on LBJ: "He hadn't got the depth of mind nor the breath vision to carry great responsibility.

Henry Cabot Lodge was like medicine, good for you, but hard to take. – Teddy White

The author's alliterative description of politics since the 1960 presidential debates: "Government by Gotcha".

Jack Kennedy protected a mature and presidential image – tough, yet not unduly combative.

What we saw in Richard Nixon's face was the panic in his soul. – Richard Goodwin

Timeless wisdom brings timeless blessings.

This is one of the bitter curses of poverty: it leaves no right to be generous.

Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.

Motivation is motive in action.

I just personally decided I was going to be the first woman fighter pilot.

The mythic is everywhere.

When you lose a couple of times, it makes you realize how difficult it is to win.

I was studying acting in New York, and wasn't being hired by anyone to do anything other than to work in an Oriental rug warehouse.

The heavens are now seen to resemble a luxuriant garden, which contains the greatest variety of productions, in different flourishing beds.

Nothing good ever ends.