In politics, nothing good ever comes from the unexpected.

Staffers tend to mimic their bosses, to take their key from them.

He was making the inevitable pivot from critic to manager.

He was experienced enough to spot the downside of doing the right thing.

Historically, the coupling of president and Speaker has been a tricky one that encourages a choreography both quick-footed and wary

The Russian people were just like us. They were victims of their own government. Ronald Reagan

Shared history was the coin of the realm.

Anecdotes came with his DNA.

The author deduces the best way James Baker serve Reagan as Chief of Staff was to continually remind him why he wanted to be president.

In politics there is a large difference between loosing and being defeated.

He'd made a name for himself out there in the world beyond not just in spite of the distinctly unfashionable persona he presented, but, perhaps, BECAUSE of it.

We all need to be mocked from time to time, lest we take ourselves too seriously.

You can work hard, But if you don't work smarterYou 'll work hard for the rest of your life.

As a nation, develop your wealth of virtues and watch yourself live better than most countries who brag themselves in their virtues of natural wealth

We choose to embrace a quest, and we choose to live for adventure.

Very simple ideas lie within the reach only of complex minds. Remy de Gourmont An idea is salvation by imagination.

With me, everything's right on the table.

All my life's a circle; Sunrise and sundown; Moon rolls thru the nighttime; Till the daybreak comes around.

The way to war is a well-paved highway and the way to peace is still a wilderness.

I care a heck of a lot more about America than I do about any political party.