Quotes by Joe Biden

I wasnt built to look the other way because the law demanded it. The law might be wrong.

I kept trying to tell people that just because I was young didnt mean I could speak for all young people.

My own father had always said the measure of a man wasnt how many times or how hard he got knocked down, but how fast he got back up.

Vice President Cheney has been the most dangerous vice president weve had probably in American history. The idea he doesnt realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, thats the Executive Branch. He works in the Executive Branch. He should understand that. Everyone should understand that. And the primary role of the vice president of the United States of America is to support the president of the United States of America, give that president his or her best judgment when sought, and as vice president, to preside over the Senate, only in a time when in fact theres a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit. The only authority the vice president has from the legislative standpoint is the vote, only when there is a tie vote. He has no authority relative to the Congress.

Every Republicans voted for it. Look at what they value and look at their budget and what theyre proposing. Romney wants to let the - he said in the first 100 days hes going to let the big banks once again write their own rules - unchain Wall Street. Theyre gonna put yall back in chains.

I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, women marrying women, and heterosexual men and women marrying another are entitled to the same exact rights, all the civil rights, all the civil liberties. And quite frankly, I dont see much of a distinction beyond that.

My rights are not derived from any government. My rights are not denied by any majority. My rights are because I exist.

Our future cannot depend on the government alone. The ultimate solutions lie in the attitudes and the actions of the American people.

The Middle East is hopeful. Theres hope there.

My father used to have an expression. Hed say, Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. Its about your dignity. Its about respect. Its about your place in your community.

Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.

My dad used to have an expression - It is the lucky person who gets up in the morning, puts both feet on the floor, knows what they are about to do, and thinks it still matters.

Fighting corruption is not just good governance. Its self-defense. Its patriotism.

Given a fair shot, given a fair chance, Americans have never, ever, ever, ever let their country down. Never. Never. Ordinary people like us. Who do extraordinary things.

A diplomatic solution that puts significant and verifiable constraints on Irans nuclear program represents the best and most sustainable chance to ensure that America, Israel, the entire Middle East will never be menaced by a nuclear-armed Iran.

Look folks, we know who built this country and we know who is going to rebuild it. Its you. Instead of vilifying you, we should be thanking you. We owe you.

Were going to be OK because of the American people. They have more grit, determination and courage than you can imagine.

Corruption is a cancer: a cancer that eats away at a citizens faith in democracy, diminishes the instinct for innovation and creativity; already-tight national budgets, crowding out important national investments. It wastes the talent of entire generations. It scares away investments and jobs.

I used to stutter really badly. Everybody thinks its funny. And its not funny. Its not.

Youve got to reach a hand of friendship across the aisle and across philosophies in this country.