* “The Iraqi people are better off with a government that answers to them instead of torturing and murdering them.”–Former President George W. Bush in his memoir, Decision Points, in defense of his decision to invade Iraq.
* “We will get some interesting questions. We will get some outrageous questions. The United States is used to public scrutiny.”–Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council, on the precedent-setting move by the U.S. to submit its human rights record for other nations to scrutinize.
* “I look forward to a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.”–President Barack Obama.
* “We’ll work with the administration when they agree with the people, and confront them when they don’t.”–Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
* “If Obama wants to get things done, he must recognize that in Washington only the president has the power to make the first big move. He should start by agreeing to extend all the Bush tax cuts for two years. He’ll have to give Republicans something he doesn’t support–an end to hiking taxes on top-earning Americans, for example–and Republicans will have to yield on something they want, namely making the tax cuts permanent. But that’s the only way to make agreements in an era of divided government.”–Ari Fleischer, former press secretary for President George W. Bush.
* “Republicans can’t accomplish big things without Democratic help. They can’t defund Obamacare on their own or pass a new tax law.”–David Brooks, New York Times.
* “Democrats miscalculated that the economic crisis presented a New Deal moment–a chance to expand the social safety net and increase the progressivity of the tax system. Actually, most people just wanted the economy improved.”–Michael Gerson, Washington Post.
* “While the Founders may have generally agreed on a limited government, there was as much debate then on what the proper limits of government should be as there is today.”–Peter R. Henriques, professor emeritus of history at George Mason University and author of “Realistic Visionary: A Portrait of George Washington.”
* “It almost forces you to get along.”–Former Florida Sen. Bob Graham on the potential upside to bipartisan control of the House and Senate.
* “I fan the flames of Jon Stewart, because I think he does keep people honest. People are upset that young people get their news from him. But Jon helps lead them to the news, which is a good thing.”–Former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw.
* “No one should be penalized for being wealthy. But no one should be able to purchase high public office, either. As always, the people and the press must vigilantly check ‘checkbook excess.'”–Larry Sabato, director, Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.
* “Starting today, I work for every Floridian. I’m giving you my word: Better days are coming.”–Gov-elect Rick Scott.
* “When you’re running the company, you’re the one in charge; everyone has to listen. (As governor) you have to win over a majority of the legislature. It’s a lot easier said than done.”–Independent political consultant Brian Crowley on possible scenarios between Gov. Rick Scott and a veto-proof (GOP) legislature.
* “If I were Bill Young, I wouldn’t stand on any high balconies with Crist.”–GOP consultant and Charlie Crist critic Ana Navarro.
* “It’s petty. They have more important things to do.”–Response of former City Council member John Dingfelder to new Council rules requiring members who step down early to campaign for higher office to sit out a four-year term before running for Council again.