Bob Rae

“What's the difference between a sadist and a masochist? A masochist says, 'Hit me.' A sadist says, 'No.'”

“A deficit is a tax on future generations.”

“Leadership is not a popularity contest. It's about making decisions, not just making friends.”

“Public life is a contact sport.”

“We have to be a country that is not afraid of its own languages. We are a country of two official languages, and we should be proud of it.”

“You can't build a prosperous economy on the backs of a divided people.”

“In politics, you have to be prepared to lose. And if you're not prepared to lose, you shouldn't be in the game.”

“Human rights are not a buffet. You can't pick and choose which ones you're going to respect.”

“The challenge of governing is to find the right balance between the needs of the individual and the needs of the community.”

“Aboriginal issues are not just another special interest. They are a fundamental question of Canadian justice.”

“Education is the great equalizer. It is the key to opportunity.”

“Negotiation is not about winning or losing. It's about finding a solution that works for everyone.”

“The past is another country, but it's not a foreign country. We have to live with its consequences.”

“My life in politics has been a roller coaster. And I've enjoyed the ride.”