Charles Clarke Quotes

No senior politician can expect to have work-life balance. I'm afraid there are some jobs for which work-life balance inevitably goes out the window. If you want work-life balance you just have to accept that you can't be a senior member of a government, or for that matter a senior member of an opposition.

But always I was a private citizen whose activities in government or political party were appointive.

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.

Hillary Clinton should be applauded for her willingness to serve publicly.

I have always said I will be in politics to serve as best as I can and it will take me wherever it will take me.

I think we need politicians; we need people who want to serve.

I was on leave from local and regional politics, as long as I was a Minister.

I believe we need to attract a new generation of the best and brightest to public service and I believe that government can be a source of inspiration, not degradation.

I actually think that working in the federal government, or state or local, is one of the most significant things that a technical person can do.

I am confident that I can serve my country without being involved as the president of the country now.

When asked if I miss being in government, I usually try to lighten the moment by responding that I awake most days, read the paper, and then observe that, 'It's yet another great day to be the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency.'

I could run for Congress. Why not? Good heavens, if Ronald Reagan can be president, I ought to make a great secretary of the treasury.

I am an old public functionary.

I love serving in the government. I love serving in the Senate.

My childhood dream was to be prime minister.

For future politics, I don't know what it holds, but if there's a possibility that the people want me to do another political office, again, maybe I'll do it.

Since 1998, I have served my country as a member of four cabinets and as the leader of the parliamentary opposition.

My husband is very fortunate to be part of the government. It is a great honor and privilege, and in no way is his work, or my part in this, any kind of sacrifice.

I see myself in public service in Zimbabwe. I would prefer an advisory role - cabinet secretary, minister of trade or the arts, or something like that. I don't want to be just a writer.

Sen. Sessions' commitment to public service is nearly unparalleled in Alabama history, and his departure from the Senate leaves tremendous shoes to fill.

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

If ever I left the House of Commons it would be because I wanted to spend more time on politics.

Critics have noted Schwarzenegger's only previous government experience was serving under President Bush senior as Chairman of the Council of Physical Fitness, a largely symbolic office, where Schwarzenegger's only responsibility was doing hundreds of jumping jacks he was going to do anyway.

I can assure you that my first and foremost interest is my country. This is not a personal matter. We are not people driven by a wish to be in the government since [it] is for us the least attractive work, even though we are politicians.

One of the reasons I'm in this business is because I have absolute respect for the people who say, "You know what? I think I can make this a little better and I'm willing to get in and try." Because, I'll tell you, there are a hell of a lot of reasons to stay away from running for office today.