Lawrence O'Donnell Quotes

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of my personal heroes.

No prisoner in history – in fact, no individual in history - has received so many honors and so much recognition all over the world as Nelson Mandela.

John Lewis is such a remarkable human being. Literally, such a beautiful human being. I remember the first time I met him. We were in the middle of a scene and [Selma director] Ava DuVernay calls, "Cut," and then he literally just came in. He just came walking in.I just froze. I can't explain the feeling. Seeing somebody who was literally a living hero. He was a hero.

Nelson Mandela is my hero outside of football. I was fortunate enough to meet him a couple of times. He was really clued up on his football and he knew me, so that was just unbelievable. It really stuck with me.

Mandela means a lot to the world. He's something special. There's only a few people in the history of mankind with that kind of charisma.

There were only 3 people that I wanted to meet in life, Nelson Mandela was one of them. What a life, what a journey, what a man. Thank you for passing this way! God bless your resting soul!

Mandela once phoned me out of the blue while he was still president, and at first he played with me a bit.

Probably we'll think of Bush in years to come as an American hero.

Nelson Mandela will always be the face of South Africa. The traveler passing through the country will see Mandela's face almost everywhere he looks. Truly, the man is omnipresent.

I've really had two heroes in my life. My father and Ronald Reagan.

Roy Schneider was cool. I learned quite a bit from him.

I met Nelson Mandela, and I really didn't know what to say. It was years ago at a benefit. I was just in awe of this man because of what he'd done.

I am a Barack Obama fan from head-to-toe - always have been. He's not perfect; nobody is going to be that way.

For me, Arik Sharon - I remember his courage and inspiration. I want to remember him the way he really was, not as an aging 80-year-old man living in bed helpless and unconscious.

I admire Obama.

Whenever I am asked who I admire most among the leaders I have met, I have no hesitation in naming Nelson Mandela.

I always wanted to meet Nelson Mandela, and I have friends who knew him, but I didn't get to meet Mandela. I always thought he was a spectacular character.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a revolutionary, simple and plain.

Dr. King gave the "I have a dream" speech, not the "I have a plan" speech.

I admire Obama, and I like him. I think he has a great deal of talent. He should be applauded for his eloquence and for his ability to motivate millions.

Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth. (said of Mahatma Gandhi)

I never met Mahatma Gandhi, but, I think everyone felt they knew him even if they hadn't met him.

John Lewis we all know was beaten terribly, almost to an inch of his life, opened doors that will never be closed, although there are forces that are attempting to close those doors.

I'm not in love with David Petraeus. But I think he does present a terrific role model.

Reverend Galamison is fighting a hard battle against great opposition, and I admire a man who fights a hard battle against great opposition.