22 Quotes by Thomas P. O'Neill

To this day, I can't understand why the closest man to Jimmy Carter, the key staff guy at the White House, didn't even join us at the White House breakfast meetings where we discussed upcoming legislation with the president. This was unprecedented. People used to say that Jordan was the most brilliant guy around, but you couldn't prove it by me.

Let us forget the frustrations of the past and think of our unfulfilled potential.

I regard myself as a grand juror waiting to hear the evidence from the prosecutor, the Judiciary Committee. I'm diametrically opposed to Nixon and everything he stands for, but I want to see the evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors first.

I certainly tried to make the House a more open and effective place, and I believe I succeeded.

I intend to be a strong Speaker. I hope to make some imaginative changes around here.

I know the kind of street I'm going down. I know my own strengths and weaknesses.

You can't assume anything in politics. That's why every Saturday I walk around my district. I talk to the longshoremen in Charlestown. I listen to the people in East Boston and their concern on the airport noise. I walk down to the Star Market in Porter Square, and people tell me about meat prices.

With Ronald Reagan in the White House, somebody had to look out for those who were not so fortunate. That's where I came in.

Anyone who comes into your office with an idea, and it may be the silliest idea in the world, listen to them and never ridicule them.