Quotes of the Day

"A 'sensitive war' will not destroy the evil men who killed 3,000 Americans."
DICK CHENEY, U.S.Vice President, attacking Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry for his promise to fight a "more sensitive war on terror"

"The really rich people figure out how to dodge taxes anyway."
GEORGE W. BUSH, U.S. President, on Kerry's proposal to cut taxes for the wealthy

"No one wants to stay in Iraq forever."
MAREK BELKA, Prime Minster of Poland, after discussing with President Bush Poland's plan to withdraw troops from Iraq early next year

"I couldn't get a job with the CIA today. I am not qualified."
PORTER GOSS, U.S. Congressman and ex-CIA operative, in an outtake from Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, released after President Bush's nomination of Goss as the agency's director

"Fidel, like his country, has continued to defy the odds."
JOHN KIRK, Cuba expert and professor at Dalhousie University in Canada, on Cuban President Fidel Castro. The world's longest-serving communist leader turned 78 last Friday

"I just think there's a William Hung in every one of us."
KELVIN SIM, 23-year-old contestant on Singapore's version of American Idol, referring to the Hong Kong-born engineering student who turned failure on the U.S. show into an ear-curdling singing career

"Please, all the men in the country, so that I won't be rude to you, do not attempt to kiss me."
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, President of the Philippines, addressing affectionate male citizens who often greet her with kisses on both cheeks

"Apparently people like it better than 'be good.'"
LARRY PAGE, Google co-founder, explaining the company motto, "Don't Be Evil," to Playboy magazine. The interview has troubled investors, as it may have violated laws requiring a "quiet period" before the Internet firm's initial public offering

• Quotes of the Week