My people and I have come to an agreement that satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him your celebration is a sham.

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure it is right.

Envy is the basis of democracy.

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.

I’m president of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!

All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.

Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.

He may be a patriot for Austria, but the question is whether he is a patriot for me.