Insight: “The great trouble with you Americans is that you are still under the influence of that second-rate — shall I say third-rate? — mind, Karl Marx.” —H. G. Wells (1866-1946)

Demo-gogues: “Nominees to our nation’s highest court must demonstrate that they are mainstream and independent enough to earn the support of at least 60 senators from both parties. Both of President Obama’s nominees to the Supreme Court exceeded that level of support. The simple question we are asking is: Can President Trump’s nominee meet that same test? If the nominee fails to meet 60 votes, the answer isn’t to change the rules; it’s to change the nominee.” —Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

Cooler heads prevailing? “[Judge Gorsuch is] a very caring person and he’s obviously legally very smart. I think we are dealing with someone who is impressive, so we’ll see.” —Sen. Dianne Feinstein

I’m with her: “Despite all the challenges we face, I remain convinced that, yes, the future is female.” —Hillary Clinton

Never let a crisis go to waste: “Winning’s everything. If you don’t win, you can’t make the public policy. I say that because it is hard for people in our party to accept that principle. Sometimes, you’ve just got to win, OK? Our party likes to be right, even if they lose. … I’ve never lost an election. It’s about winning, because if you win you then have the power to go do what has to get done.” —Rahm Emanuel

Alpha Jackass: “[V]oucher programs will lead to more suicides. Betsy DeVos’s policies will kill children. That is not an exaggeration in any sense. … Strong public schools are the bedrock of a thriving, autonomous middle class. No wonder zealot billionaires want to get rid of them!” —Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson

And last… “The focus of our education system is the transfer of tax dollars between politicians and unions. Educating children is its waste product.” —Frank Fleming