Joseph A. Califano Jr. Quotes

Real leaders do not follow polls. Real leaders change polls.

I saw a complete lack of courage in Washington to tackle some of our biggest challenges.

Presidents with strong nerves are decisive. They don't balk at unpopular decisions. They are willing to make people angry. Bush had strong nerves. Clinton, who passed up a chance to eliminate Osama bin Laden, did not. Obama is a people pleaser, a trait not normally associated with nerves of steel.

If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles.

We will not duck the tough issues, we will lead.

Politicians are strong to the extent that they are ready to take serious decisions and fight for it.

As president, my father will take on the bold and worthy fights. He will be unafraid to set lofty goals, and he will be relentless in his determination to achieve them.

Don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.

Never go backward. Attempt, and do it with all your might. Determination is power.

In politics, guts is all.

We must dare, and dare again, and go on daring.

I think when there's enough will and aggression, there's no shortage of talent either.

Political courage requires clarity.

The world is not looking for servants, there are plenty of these, but for masters, men who form their purposes and then carry them out, let the consequences be what they may.

Only the will is often wanting.

I just could not stand to look at the lack of courage in the Senate.

What is important in a leader is a resolute will and determination. A man may be versatile and learned, but if he lacks resoluteness and determination, of what use will he be?

The true measure of a leader is what it takes to stop him.

Passion is needed for any great work, and for the revolution, passion and audacity are required in big doses.

I will not retreat; I will find the strength to reach my goal.

This country has always led from the front and it should continue to do so.

Donald has a deep and unbounding determination and a never-give-up attitude. I have seen him fight for years to get a project done - or even started - and he does not give up! If you want someone to fight for you and your country, I can assure you, he is the 'guy.'

We've got to stop pandering and start leading.

If you want to go for the title, you go for the title, and you fight. You don't run away; you fight.

I am not sure I should have dared to start; but I am sure that I should not have dared to stop.