I talk and talk and talk, and I haven't taught people in 50 years what my father taught by example in one week.

People expect Byzantine, Machiavellian logic from politicians. But the truth is simple. Trial lawyers learn a good rule: "Don't decide what you don't have to decide." That's not evasion, it's wisdom.

For me to make lasagna would be a desecration of a great Italian dish. . . . I don't mess with sacred things.

You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.

You will not be able to tell that they are capable of greatness until you provide them with a packed house, a 3-and-2 count and the game is on the line.