Ted Kennedy's achievements as a senator have towered over his time, changing the lives of far more Americans than remember the name Mary Jo Kopechne.

There's a Washington standard of casually putting things off the record. It's really gone too far. I don't know an easy way to turn it back.

When I came back to Washington to be The Times' chief congressional correspondent in 1991, I was looking for a book subject, and Ted Kennedy stood out for two reasons.

I thought writing about somebody current would be a little closer to what I'm used to doing.

Gore speaks to America as if English is its second language; George W. speaks as if English is his second language.

That's the problem with memories: you can visit them but you can't live with them.

It didn't matter whether he was nearby or far away. His image would drift up into your mind just when you least expected it, shocking you, making your chest pound. Making your heart ache.

Love is a force that connects us to every strand of the universe, an unconditional state that characterizes human nature.

I swallowed hard and said as calmly as possible, “There’s been a murder. I don’t know what happened. The address is two-two-zero three Devonshire Court.

Heaven ne'er helps the man who will not help himself.

Confusion is the main cause of worry

... if the Republicans don't bring prosperity, who on earth is going to?

I have always enjoyed being a part of his life. I've always loved him, and he's always loved me.

When you've written a movie, you then get together with a whole lot of people and make it. In many ways, I think it is far nicer to be with people rather than being completely solitary.

The salesman knows nothing of what he is selling save that he is charging a great deal too much for it.