A crisis is an opportunity for a president to step forward and exert effective leadership, and establish his credentials as a significant occupant of the Oval Office.

The greatest presidents have been those who demonstrated astute judgment in times of crisis - often despite the advice they were getting.

As someone who has more than a passing acquaintance with most of the 20th century presidents, I have often thought that their accomplishments have little staying power in shaping popular views of their leadership.

A crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind

An election is like throwing a coin to a wishing well. We can only wish that our wishes will come true. We wish to elect a true leader but the true leadership of an elected leader can only be tested in times of crisis.

I think someone who takes the presidency must not take it to learn. (There is) a crisis of leadership and it needs someone who understands already the depth of human suffering and the difficulties we are confronted with. There's no time for learning.