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.

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

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

An artist's only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else's.

Small men command the letter of the law. Great men serve its spirit. For the spirit of the law is justice... and justice is the spirit of God.

All men are more concerned to recover what they lose than to acquire what they lack.

Gas Attendant: "Thata ain't no etch-a-sketch. Thats one doodle that can't be un-did home skillet.

I think I made a lot of sacrifices.

My wife has a line of fine Indian foods, that's kind of a very successful business. It's an interesting way to see life.

My major aim in writing is to set out flags and issue wake-up calls.

I came from the Philippines and Filipinos are incredibly musical. I mean the best cover bands in the world come from Manila!

Never loan money, you're not reading or willing to give away.

Human beings do not like to look squarely into the face of tragedy. Gloom is unpopular.