Dealing with justice

“I didn’t join the International Criminal Court because I don’t want to put our troops in the hands of prosecutors from other nations. Look, if somebody has done some wrong in our military, we’ll take care of it. We got plenty of capability of dealing with justice.”

—Niceville, Florida; August 10, 2004

Promises that have been promised

“I think younger workers – first of all, younger workers have been promised benefits the government – promises that have been promised, benefits that we can’t keep. That’s just the way it is.” 

—Washington, D.C.; May 4, 2005

In the no

“Washington is a town where there’s all kinds of allegations. You’ve heard much of the allegations. And if people have got solid information, please come forward with it. And that would be people inside the information who are the so-called anonymous sources, or people outside the information — outside the administration.”

—Chicago, Illinois; September 30, 2003

Who them was

“When I was coming up, it was a dangerous world, and you knew exactly who they were. It was us versus them, and it was clear who them was. Today, we are not so sure who they are, but we know they’re there.”

—Council Bluffs, Iowa; January 21, 2000

You can trust me on this

“I’m also honored to be here with the Speaker of the House – just happens to be from the state of Illinois. I’d like to describe the Speaker as a trustworthy man. He’s the kind of fellow who says when he gives you his word he means it. Sometimes that doesn’t happen all the time in the political process.”

—Chicago, Illinois; March 6, 2001

File out the forms

“Think about that. Two hundred and eighty-five new or expanded programs, $2 trillion more in new spending, and not one new bureaucrat to file out the forms or answer the phones?”

—Minneapolis, Minnesota; November 1, 2000

Underwhelmed by the talent

“I always jest to people, the Oval Office is the kind of place where people stand outside, they’re getting ready to come in and tell me what for, and they walk in and get overwhelmed by the atmosphere. And they say, ‘Man, you’re looking pretty.’”

—Washington, D.C.; November 4, 2004

Flying Ticket Counters

“Governor, thank you very much. I am here to make an announcement that this Thursday, ticket counters and airplanes will fly out of Ronald Reagan Airport.”

—Arlington, Virginia; October 2, 2001

The country that loves itself

“This is a nation that loves freedom, loves our country.”

—Washington, D.C.; May 17, 2002

I don’t know what I mean

“I think if you know what you believe, it makes it a lot easier to answer questions. I can’t answer your question.”

—Reynoldsburg, Ohio; October 4, 2000