* I think it’s fair to say that the president believes there is an opportunity for diplomacy when it comes to the issues that have presented challenges to the United States and our allies with regards to Iran. And we hope that the Iranian government takes advantage of this opportunity.” White House spokesman Jay Carney, commenting on the possibility of improved relations with Iran under newly elected Iranian President Hasan Rouhani.
* “A heart-breaking reminder that there exists unspeakable evil in our world.”–Secretary of State John Kerry on the terrorist attack in Nairobi that killed dozens and wounded more than 150. Al-Shabab, the Somalia-based, Islamist militant group, has claimed responsibility.
* “He doesn’t believe that human nature at liberty can rise above its weaknesses and build just, peaceful, prosperous societies. Or, at least, he doesn’t believe Russians can.”–GOP Sen. John McCain referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin in an op-ed in the Russian news website Pravda.ru.
* “If Congress doesn’t pass this debt ceiling in the next few weeks, the United States will default on its obligations. That’s never happened in American history. Basically, America becomes a deadbeat.”–President Barack Obama.
* “There’s only one word that comes to mind: cruel.”–U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., reacting to the House–absent any Democratic votes–narrowly approving deep reductions to the food stamp program.
* “There’s something evil in our society that we as Americans have to work to try and eradicate. There’s something wrong here when we have these multiple shootings, these multiple injuries.”–Dr. Janis Orlowski, COO of MedStar Washington Hospital Center, in the aftermath of the Navy Yard shootings.
* “I have reluctantly concluded that any possible confirmation process for me would be acrimonious and would not serve the interests of the Federal Reserve, the administration or ultimately, the interests of the nation’s ongoing economic recovery.”–Lawrence Summers, in withdrawing his name as a leading candidate to replace Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke.
* “The long-term upside for workers is that American companies are about as well positioned as they have been in decades to compete and win on a global scale.”–Boeing CEO Jim McNerney.
* “Let me put it this way: If hackers get a hold of your thumbprint, they could use it to identify and impersonate you for the rest of your life.”–Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., voicing concern over the use of fingerprint recognition technology in the new iPhone 58.
* “The United States must be better prepared to take advantage of the explosive growth in travel demand that is building among middle-class consumers in emerging economies. Although the Obama Administration has made remarkable improvements to the visa application process in several critical markets, legislation is needed to build on these gains.”–Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International.
* “When we get into the spring, and summer, he might be prevailed upon to run. From my perspective, that would be outstanding news.”–Alex Sink on the prospect of Sen. Bill Nelson running for governor.
* “You’re looking at a boulder to push up a mountain on this one.”–Frank Brogan, outgoing chancellor of the state university system, on Florida Polytechnic, which is slated to open in less than a year.
* “Any business can say, ‘No shirt, no shoes, no service and no sidearms either.'”–Joe Bodiford, criminal defense attorney and adjunct professor of law with Stetson University.
* “I can’t sleep I get so excited about it.”–Columbia Restaurant owner Richard Gonzmart on renewed developer plans for The Heights project.
* “We haven’t actually thought about whether we’re selling or leasing it.”–Charles Klug, Tampa Port Authority’s legal counsel, on whether the port will ultimately be leasing or selling Channelside Bay Plaza property to a developer.
* “It’s a health, safety and welfare issue.”–Tampa City Council Chairman Charlie Miranda on why he wants the city to tighten rules on “pop-up” businesses.
* “The event doesn’t happen without help from sponsors. It’s a big deal for us to have a title sponsor back this year.”–Darrell Stefany, president of EventFest, on the return of Seminole Hard Rock Tampa as title sponsor for the Gasparilla festival.
* “Other cities would kill for this. We just need to tie it together.”–Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker on the effort to brand and market the area just south of downtown St. Petersburg that is dominated by research and educational institutions.
* “Everybody in professional sports I guarantee you is a role model to somebody. I want to be a positive influence on as many people’s lives as I can.”–David Price, Tampa Bay Rays.