The Patriot Post® · Monday Short Cuts

The Gipper: “Government has an important role in helping develop a country’s economic foundation. But the critical test is whether government is genuinely working to liberate individuals by creating incentives to work, save, invest, and succeed.”

Fueling the flames: “I understand why John Lewis feels the way he does. This is a very fearful and divided nation right now. And the Trumps have not done anything to bring it together.” —Sen. Dianne Feinstein

The BIG lie: “Whether we’ve seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people … are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going.” —Barack Obama

Non Compos Mentis: “Much of the increase in the national debt that’s occurred during [Obama’s tenure] still springs from [policies enacted under his predecessor]. Absent the work of President Obama this national debt would be even higher.” —Nancy Pelosi giving Obama credit for the two-fold increase in the national debt

Belly laugh of the week: “I am so proud of President Barack Obama, not just because he was and is my color, but because he was America’s kind. He helped this country like no president I’ve seen in my lifetime. We should thank God we lived in the age of Obama.” —Al Sharpton

Still bitter, much? “Donald Trump is someone who is very insecure in his victory, and I understand why. Every day there are new developments — new shoes dropping, so to speak — that call into question the legitimacy of his win. I think Donald Trump is just trying to cling to whatever legitimacy still is in effect here.” —Brian Fallon, Clinton’s campaign manager

Late-night humor: “Obama … awarded Vice President Joe Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom With Distinction, which is an honor only three other people have been given over the last 30 years. Then Biden gave Obama his highest honor: double finger guns with a wink.” —Seth Meyers