Thoughtful people of different political philosophies can disagree, but in a very agreeable manner.

We discussed politics, but we also talked about the importance of hard work, personal responsibility, living within your means, keeping your word. Those lessons stay with you throughout your life.

Some of the most important conversations I've ever had occurred at my family's dinner table.

Politics is a contest among people of diverse backgrounds and philosophies, advocating different solutions to common problems. The system only works when principled, energetic people participate.

I don't know what leadership is. You can't touch it. You can't feel it. It's not tangible. But I do know this: you recognize it when you see it.

It's appropriate to celebrate public service, and the thoughtful people who choose to serve. They symbolize what is good and decent about this historic citizen legislature, and we thank them.

Leadership is about doing what you know is right - even when a growing din of voices around you is trying to convince you to accept what you know to be wrong.

I support stem cell research, including embryonic stem cell research.

Serving in Congress has been the honor of a lifetime.

We have no more fundamental obligation in government than to ensure the safety of our citizens.

I generally believe in polls. Scientific polls are accurate.

How can I tell anyone that there has always lived within me a rusty sense of disgust-a dull, brackish water that I suspect is my soul?

Everyone, no matter how historically famous or modernly praised, has no idea about the ultimate truth of what it means to be human.

The secret of life is not in the Die And Live, The secret of life is Don't ever lose your senses in the NOW.

Someone once said "The only thing that will be left after a nuclear holocaust is Cher and cockroaches." I think that's funny, because, you know, I am a survivor. If I am anything, that's what I am.

I can't believe that person on the television is really me.

When we have fights in our family, they don't end with an apology. You make up by getting back to normal. Like you'll call and say, 'You want to go shopping?'

The lasting legacy of the Cooter Smash is that I'm the first to know when it's going to rain. That's right. I both sing and predict the weather with my hoo hoo.

Disco is a major influence in the world of fashion.

Yeah, I was always a big fan of noir.

I never take a nap after dinner but when I have had a bad night, and then the nap takes me.