The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Quoteworthy
“It’s up to the president of the United States to decide what he wants to do.”–Pentagon Press Secretary Dana White.
“When a sitting president spews venom daily, and when Congress has become a cauldron of bitter partisanship, America needs a Supreme Court that can be trusted to fairly manage our national disagreements. … Tragically, Brett Kavanaugh will further divide us. For this reason alone, he shouldn’t be confirmed.”–Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich.
“Only a warped mind would turn this statistic into fake news. It might be a new low.”–Retiring Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, on Trump calling the nearly 3,000 reported deaths in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria as falsely inflated.
“Brown stepchildren.”–Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, on how Trump thinks of Puerto Ricans.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the last president of the United States.”—Filmmaker Michael Moore in the trailer for his new movie, “Fahrenheit 11/9.”
“It is a mistake for any elected official to attack the media and journalists. It is dangerous to demonize the media.”–Jeff Bezos.
“Don’t be scared to get caught trying.”—Former Secretary of State John Kerry, on the advice he used to give career State Department employees.
“An epic proportion.”–FDA, on what stage teenage use of electronic cigarettes has reached.
“The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to (nicotine) addiction.”–FDA.
“I would say ‘Never say never.’”–VW of America CEO Hinrich Woebeken, in announcing that Volkswagen will be ending global production of its iconic Beetle next year–but won’t totally rule reviving it at some point.
“Statistics that sound as if they describe the broad U.S. economy–like GDP and the Dow Jones industrial average–end up mostly describing the experiences of the affluent.”–David Leonhardt, New York Times.
“One of the big economic distinctions between Florida and states in the Northern Rust Belt is our growing population. More people in a state’s economy by default means more economic activity.”–Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at UCF.
“(Ron DeSantis) ran a joke of a campaign and doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing right now.”–“Morning Joe” co-host Joe Scarborough.
“It’s always been easier to find him on Fox News than anywhere in Volusia County. Ron DeSantis quit on his constituents years ago–and he won’t be missed.”–Volusia County Democratic Party Chairwoman Jewell Dickson, on Ron DeSantis stepping down from his congressional seat.
“I’m entirely comfortable with Andrew (Gillum). And he with me.”–U.S. Sen. Bill
“I do not believe there is support in the Legislature for the expansion of Medicaid contemplated in the Affordable Care Act.”–Incoming Florida Senate President BillGalvano, R-Bradenton.
“Expanding Medicaid would extend to able-bodied adults. That’s not what Medicaid was designed for, that’s not what taxpayers pay for, and that’s not how health care or government should work.”–Ron DeSantis.
“Medicaid expansion is a winning issue for candidates.”–Joan Alker, research professor who runs Georgetown University’s Center for Children & Families.
“There is a slightly less than zero percent chance of it happening.”–Darryl Paulson, emeritus professor of government at USF St. Pete, on the possibility of a state income tax.
“I think the pace will intensify here in the coming months. They have to be able to tell St. Petersburg, ‘This is our plan.’”–Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, on the financial-structure details of a Rays Ybor City ballpark.
“We’re going to need to know what the Rays’ and Stu Sternberg’s commitment is for us to know with certainty what our obligation might be.”–Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
“We remain eager and committed to seeing this beautiful, iconic ballpark become a reality.”–Rays President Brian Auld.
“Malls are going away. What we are creating is the future.”–Chris Bowen, chief development strategist for RD Development, the owner of the repurposing University Mall.
“Obviously, I did try to talk Steve out of this.”–Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik on Steve Yzerman stepping down as general manager.