* “Europe is not only facing Brexit, one country leaving the European Union, but at the same time may also see a Ruxit, that Russia is leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.”–Thorbjorn Jagland, secretary general of the Council of Europe.
* “The European Union was never going to let us leave the club while retaining all the advantages of belonging, any more than a tennis club allows ex-members to use the facilities for free.”–Jenni Russell, The Times of London.
* “I think Europe needs to get a handle on migration, because that is what lit the flame. I admire the very generous and compassionate approaches that were taken particularly by leaders like Angela Merkel, but I think it is fair to say Europe has done its part, and must send a very clear message–‘we are not going to be able to continue to provide refuge and support’–because if we don’t deal with the migration issue, it will continue to roil the body politic.”–Hillary Clinton.
* “Economic tensions are reaching a breaking point.”–Former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, on the increasingly strained relationship between the U.S. and China.
* “There was the belief that over time, (President Trump) would better understand, but I don’t know that that’s the case. I don’t think that he understands the proper use and role of the military and what we can, and can’t, do.”–Col. David Lapan, former spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration.
* “It is part of my being to want to respect and support the president as commander in chief. This one makes that very hard for me.”–Retired Gen. James Clapper, director of national intelligence during the Obama Administration.
* “I made a tremendous difference in this country. This country is so much stronger now than it was when I took office and you wouldn’t believe it. Nobody’s done more for the military than me.”–Donald Trump.
* “We may never know all the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. (The United States) intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia.”–Donald Trump.
* “If for any reason it becomes necessary, we will close our Southern Border. There is no way that the United States will, after decades of abuse, put up with this costly and dangerous situation anymore!”–Donald Trump.
* “A mature nationalism looks for ways to advance a nation’s interest by joining with others to achieve success.”–Eckerd College President Donald R. Eastman III.
* “Trump is not being ‘frank’ about his real priorities, and he is not putting America first. He’s putting his own naked self interest over what’s good for America.”–Greg Sargent, Washington Post.
* “I think he’s sort of a Democrat, if you want to know the truth. He may leave. I mean, at some point, everybody leaves.”–Donald Trump, referring to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
* “We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. … That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.”–Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
* “Brutal and extended cold blast could shatter all records. Whatever happened to global warming?–Donald Trump.
* “There must be decorum at the White House.”–White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
* “In some form, I’d love to have her in the administration.”–Donald Trump, in reference to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
* “America’s most repulsive public figure.”–Conservative commentator George Will’s take on Vice President Mike Pence.
* “There’s a very clear spike in (consumer) sales in the middle of the year obviously driven by the tax cuts, and there’s an equally clear reversal in the second half of the year. It’s the sugar rush, followed by the comedown.”–Ian Shepherdson, economist for the Pantheon Macroeconomics research firm.
* “We estimate sedans operate at a significant loss, hence the need for classic restructuring.”–Citi analyst Itay Michaeli, on the rationale for General Motors cutting up to 14,000 workers in North America as it abandons many of its car models.
* “Managing all the forests everywhere we can does not stop climate change. And those who deny that are definitely contributing to the tragedies that we’re now witnessing, and will continue to witness in the coming years.”–California Gov. Jerry Brown.
* “Come on in, the water’s fine.”–Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in welcoming opponents to the House speaker competition. The floor vote is Jan. 3.
* “As we celebrate the dignity of work, we unify. We do not divide. Populists are not racists. Populists are not anti-Semitic. We do not appeal to some by pushing down others.”–From the re-election, victory speech of Ohio Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown.
* “Just by capturing the House, Democrats achieved one big goal–taking repeal of the Affordable Care Act off the table.”–Paul Krugman, New York Times.
* “Being in the minority is entirely different. It’s much easier. You play critic. This is a major responsibility, and I’ve been struck by the conversations how seriously they’ve been.”–Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor of Tampa, on the Democrats taking back control of the House for the first time since 2011.
* “If we allow ourselves to be told that we must learn to compromise, we will end up in an ideological mush in the center.”–New Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes.
* “There’s a baseline percent of the white vote you have to get to win, and you can’t get to it just through young and progressive excitement.”–Florida-based, Democratic strategist Steve Schale.
* “I am in awe of these children, whose powerful message is amplified by their youthful energy and an unshakable belief that children can–no, must–improve their own futures.”–South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in presenting the International Children’s Peace Prize to Parkland students who created a movement to raise awareness about gun violence.
* “This is a new world for HART financially.”–Jeff Seward, interim chief executive of HART, on the impact of the recently approved transportation sales tax that will boost HART’s yearly operating budget from approximately $80 million to $200 million.
* “(The Lightning) will win (the Stanley Cup) again. I can’t wait. I’ll be here. This town is such a great sports town.”–Marty St. Louis.