Ann Richards Quotes

At an unprecedented time with the worst attack ever on our soil, our President displayed extraordinary determination, leadership and resolve when history was thrust upon him and the United States.

Each crisis brings its word and deed.

Today we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong.

Usually, the leaders appear in the moment of the highest stress, when it is time, speaking symbolically, to go to the barricades. Then people, clever, capable, but focused on their own tasks, will leave their immediate occupations and go to the barricades, because there is nowhere to hide.

The threat of terrorism is not stronger than the will of the American people.

Sooner or later something had to give. But President Bush, faced with the unprecedented affront of 9-11, could not wait to take action. So he had to do what we were capable of doing, and he did it brilliantly.

The moment for action has arrived, and I know that I can trust in you to save our country.

Shock, confusion, fear, anger, grief, and defiance. On Sept. 11, 2001, and for the three days following the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, President George W. Bush led with raw emotion that reflected the public's whipsawing stages of acceptance.

I report to you that our country is challenged at home and abroad: that it is our will that is being tried and not our strength; our sense of purpose and not our ability to achieve a better America.

It's hard to compare. Different times, different players. The administration four years ago did not have 9/11. I could tell you this; this particular administration was better suited to handle that than the former.

In great crises, a man who has to act or speak stands bare and stripped of choice.

Politics is the science of urgencies.

I believe, however, that impending events will call us and we must respond but where, with whom, and how?

We emerged from the events of September 11 more steadfast in our beliefs, more courageous in our actions and more determined to protect our values than ever before.

The public's evaluation of the job George W. Bush is doing as president changed dramatically as a result of the horrific attacks of September 11 and his response in leading the country on a campaign against terrorism.

The resolve of our great nation is being tested. But make no mistake, we will show the world that we will pass the test.

A military coup needs a sacrifice and courage that you can't find in an army without morale.

When that second airplane hit the building, we all changed. We need to get back to some serious thinking.

As Americans after 9/11, we're much more united, together as a nation, and we got stronger, better, and more at peace. By peace, I mean the harmony you can feel in our united determination to fight these terrorists and killers.

We are a nation at war - and we should act like it.

Obama and his associates are fantastic campaigners but have little ability or skill to govern.

The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon shook our nation to the core. Americans were deeply frightened, sad, and angry, and they rallied around a President who, at the time, showed impressive certitude and calm.

I think in the wake of 9/11, like a lot of Americans, you know, we were all very traumatized by the attacks, traumatized in a totally different way by some of what happened afterward in response. And I think there have been these questions hovering in the past decade of, what kind of country are we? Who are we?

First, how to memorialize the heroes of 9/11; second, something that expresses our resolve.

The first sign of whether Obama is serious about confronting the climate crisis will be revealed by how he organizes the White House.