“Although... the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by...” — James K. Polk Quote

“Although... the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by a party and stand pledged to its principles and measures, yet in his official action he should not be the President of a party only, but of the whole people of the United States.”

“Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government.”

“The whole frame of the Federal Constitution proves that the government which it creates was intended to be one of limited and specified powers.”

“The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government.”

“The passion for office among members of Congress is very great, if not absolutely disreputable, and greatly embarrasses the operations of the Government. They create offices by their own votes and then seek to fill them themselves.”

“The most energetic and prompt measures and the immediate appearance in arms of a large and overpowering force are recommended to Congress as the most certain and efficient means of bringing the existing collision with Mexico to a speedy and successful termination.”

“One of the things that's important about family is the narrative history they create for themselves.”

“That's history. I say history because it happened in the past.”

“Black History Month celebrates the ability to achieve the 'unachievable' and exemplifies that anything is possible with faith, fortitude, and fearlessness.”

“This above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.”

“Terrorism takes us back to ages we thought were long gone if we allow it a free hand to corrupt democratic societies and destroy the basic rules of international life.”

“If you only think of me during Black History Month, I must be failing as an educator and as an astrophysicist.”