Quotes by Ed Koch

About Ed Koch:

Edward Irving was an American lawyer, politician, political commentator, movie critic and reality television arbitrator. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City, which he led from fiscal insolvency to economic boom, from 1978 to 1989.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I was drafted into the Army when I was 19 and came out at age 22. Most people that I knew didn't think they'd come home alive. I didn't think I would either, so I was happy when I did.

Ed Koch

I was born at the age of twelve on a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot.

Ed Koch

The art of creation is older than the art of killing.

Ed Koch

Deals are my art form. Other people paint beautifully on canvas or write wonderful poetry. I like making deals, preferably big deals. That's how I get my kicks.

Ed Koch

Citizens, thank you for all your birthday wishes. I am 88 years old today and still lucky to live in the greatest city in the world.

Ed Koch

The best way to lose weight is to close your mouth - something very difficult for a politician. Or watch your food - just watch it, don't eat it.

Ed Koch

Stereotypes lose their power when the world is found to be more complex than the stereotype would suggest. When we learn that individuals do not fit the group stereotype, then it begins to fall apart.

Ed Koch

No, I am not a homosexual. If I were a homosexual, I would hope I would have the courage to say so. What's cruel is that you are forcing me to say I am not a homosexual. This means you are putting homosexuals down. I don't want to do that.

Ed Koch

If you listen to Giuliani, it's like nobody did anything to improve the city except him. I'm not part of the history. Bloomberg's not part of the history. It's like, he did it. He's the only one. That's why he's a little crazy.

Ed Koch

I think that every Saturday, we ought to say, 'My father's a Jew, my mother was a Jew, and I'm a Jew,' with great pride.

Ed Koch

You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it's good for one's self-respect to be a punching bag.

Ed Koch

I think I have a very good reputation amongst the gay population and among the whole country because I stood up on the issue of gay rights. It is not easy to stand up on that issue when you are single and male in New York City. I did it anyway.

Ed Koch

Maybe he just looks good compared to the bores he's running against.

Ed Koch

I never doubted that I would be a good mayor. I never did.

Ed Koch

My brain is good, but my body is deteriorating. I probably have another two or three years. Or I can pass tomorrow, but it doesn't make a difference to me.

Ed Koch

Jews have always thought that having someone elevated with his head above the grass was not good for the Jews. I never felt that way. I believe that you have to stand up.

Ed Koch

God gave me a very good hand to play over my 88 years. I have no regrets.

Ed Koch

We're in the hands of the state legislature and God, but at the moment, the state legislature has more to say than God.

Ed Koch

People get tired of you. So they decided to throw me out. And so help me God, as the numbers were coming in, I said to myself, 'I'm free at last.'

Ed Koch

Have you ever lived in the suburbs? It's sterile. It's nothing. It's wasting your life.

Ed Koch

Author Bio

  • NameEd Koch
  • Descriptionmayor of New York
  • BornDecember 12, 1924
  • DiedFebruary 1, 2013
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPolitician; Lawyer; Author