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

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.

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.

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

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

When it comes to branding and the ever-changing social media phenomenon, you’re not a mushroom. In other words, you shouldn’t be kept in the dark and fed a pile of...well, you get the idea.

Our country, our people, and our laws have to be our top priority.

To be a human being is to suffer. But it's the unnecessary suffering, it's the suffering that we visit upon one another, that really should be stopped.

We in the Senate refer to Sen. Gillibrand as the hottest member.

What I have to say to an inhabitant of the Earth in one hundred years is similar to what I have to say to the present inhabitants of Earth. To be creative.

As rewarding as a good film role can be, there is just nothing like getting up on a stage and taking an audience for a ride.

Each generation must go further than the last or what's the use in it?

I was the first person in my family born in the United States. My mom is from Croatia, and my dad is from Iran. They met at music school in Belgium. I grew up as a pianist.

I couldn't afford [buying Marvel]. I hope I have enough money for dinner tonight!

the more one advances, the more one sees the goal is still far off. And now I am simply resigned to see myself always imperfect and in this I find my joy.