Joseph R. Biden Jr. Quotes

One never expected from a Congressman more than good intentions and public spirit.

When you are a politician, it means to work for the benefit of the country, not to stay home. In politics, it ends only when one dies.

It's our duty as leaders in Washington to keep the government running.

I'm not serving in office because I desperately needed 99 new friends in the U.S. Senate.

I loved being governor. It was a blast. Eight years was enough. But it was certainly one of the greatest thrills in my life to be able to serve the people of Florida. I miss that from time to time.

My brother is the former mayor of Baltimore.

I've often been asked to run for office. I have no desire to do that, I would not want my time with the family or the company restricted because of the demands of an elected position.

Being a politician is a calling second only to being a minister.

My respect for politicians has increased. It's hard work - even hard physical work.

I am a lawyer and 22 years the mayor of Davao City. I served as congressman of the first district for one term, and I was vice mayor to my daughter, Inday.

No-one is forced to stand for Parliament; no-one is compelled to become a minister. If you take on those roles, which are great privileges, you also take on big responsibilities.

I'm not a politician. And I don't want to be.

I cannot be expected to behave like a film star when I have decided to serve my people. They have voted for me with expectations, and I cannot take them for granted.

I want to be a public servant, not a politician.

I'd like to vote for a bill. But I'm not going to vote for one unless I think it's going to be good for the area I represent.

Obviously, I am a member of Congress, and things that I say are elevated on a national level, and I understand that very clearly.

A lot of people have the expectation that politicians shouldn't just disappear into the woodwork even if they didn't win the election.

Being elected as Seoul Mayor came to me like God's calling.

In the political realm, when I say I'm going to give everything, that means I'll represent the people to the best of my ability.

I thank the voters of Upstate N.Y. for this privilege to serve and pledge to continue to work tirelessly on their behalf in this final term.

In order to do the right thing and to provide the right long-term view for the city, it might mean you're only in politics for a little while.

I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of West Tennessee, but I never intended to become a career politician.

I just didn't have the desire to run for political office. There are other things that I like to do, and it just wasn't my choice. But if it had been my choice, I certainly would have done it.

You have a responsibility as a locally elected deputy, but you also have a responsibility as the head of government.

If enough Americans determine I could do a better job in public office, and Mrs. Nugent and my beloved family agree, there is no limit what I am willing to do for my country.