* “Our issue is strong borders, no crime. Their issue is open borders.”–President Donald Trump’s characterization of Democrats’ immigration policy.
* “Increased import tariffs could lead to a smaller GM, a reduced presence at home and abroad for this American company, and risk less–not more–U.S. jobs.”–Excerpt from statement submitted to the Commerce Department by General Motors.
* “The idea that Russia did not meddle in our election is fake news. They did meddle in our election, and they’re doing it again in 2018.”–Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
* “The Vesuvius of mendacities.”–George Will, Washington Post, describing President Trump.
* “When trustworthy news is under attack, somebody has to stand up.”–Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist, on his $20 million gift to the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.
* “Even if (former President Barack Obama) no longer enjoyed the bully pulpit, he could, if he wanted, fill the vacuum of moral leadership Trump had created and offer … the entire country a lesson in civics that no other Democrat is positioned to give.”–Gabriel Debenedetti, New York Magazine.
* “There can be little doubt (U.S. Supreme Court Justice) Kennedy’s tenure helped sustain a fair measure of stability. He and the court have served as a bulwark for the rule of law in a world often set against it. As a result, his retirement will spark chaos.”–Joshua Matz, publisher of the Take Care legal blog and a former law clerk to Justice Anthony Kennedy.
* “In Congress you’re either with us or you’re against the people of Puerto Rico.”–Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello, who is pushing for statehood for Puerto Ricans.
* “Frankly, citizenship in our time is about how you spend your attention.”–Columbia University law professor Tim Wu, the author of “The Attention Merchants.”
* “It has always been my intention to die at my desk, although my most cherished ambition is to outlive the estate tax.”–The late Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer.
* “The travel industry has gone from trivial to the substantial in terms of how it markets to the L.G.B.T. community.”–Henry H. Harteveldt, travel analyst and president of the Atmosphere Research Group.
* “Tariffs, counter-tariffs and escalating rhetoric are the exact opposite of what Canada believes is best for our two great nations. Who knows where this will lead? The stakes are very high.”–Consul General Susan Harper, Canada’s representative for Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
*”The Attorney General has never supported separating children from their parents, however, the Florida Attorney General’s office has no jurisdiction over federal immigration laws.”–Whitney Ray, spokesman for AG Pam Bondi, on why Florida is not joining (17) other states in a lawsuit that attempts to force the Trump Administration to reunite migrant families.
* “Florida’s not really a red state. It’s a blue state–but it comes out a red state because of gerrymandering. I’m optimistic, though, that Florida will be a blue state in the near future.”–Raymond Arsenault, USF St. Petersburg history professor.
* “The absence of party labels is confusing to voters as they look for candidates who share their values and ideals.”–Hillsborough Democratic Party Chair Ione Townsend.
* “As our community continues to grow, the airport is growing with it.”–TIA CEO Joe Lopano, in announcing that this fall Norwegian Airlines will start direct flights twice a week between Tampa and London.
* “We accept the responsibility that for every student that enrolls at the University of South Florida, we’re committed unquestionably and unreservedly to their success,”–USF Provost Ralph Wilcox, in the aftermath of USF being officially elevated to “preeminent” status that rewards the university with funding and prestige.