“I didn't decide to run for president to start a national crusade for the political reforms I believed in, or to run a campaign as if it were some grand act of patriotism. In truth, I wanted to be president because it had become my ambition to be president.”
Source: 2000s, 2002, Worth the Fighting For (2002), p. 373
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John McCain169
politician from the United States 1936–2018Related quotes
“I've heard the call. I believe God wants me to run for President.”
George W. Bush (1946) 43rd President of the United States
As recalled by minister James Robison in a telephone conversation with Bush, and first reported in the book The Faith of George W. Bush (2004) by Stephen Mansfield.
1990s
“I said I didn’t want to run for president. I didn’t ask you to believe me.”
Mario Cuomo (1932–2015) American politician, Governor of New York
New York Times (12 February 1985)
“I am running (for president) because I think the world is falling apart.”
Lindsey Graham (1955) United States Senator from South Carolina
As quoted in "Lindsey Graham announcing at CBS “This Morning” interview his presidential bid" https://www.yahoo.com/politics/lindsey-graham-i-am-running-because-the-world-is-119274762516.html (18 May 2015), by Dylan Stableford, "YAHOO Politics" <br class="br">2010s
Ron Paul (1935) American politician and physician
New Hampshire Liberty Forum, February 25, 2007 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/02/25/ron-paul-grassroots-support-proved/ <br class="br">2000s, 2006-2009
“I'm running for president. Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion.”
Hillary Clinton (1947) American politician, senator, Secretary of State, First Lady
Tweet (12 April 2015) https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/587336319321407488 <br class="br">Presidential campaign (April 12, 2015 – 2016)
“I do not choose to run for President in 1928.”
Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933) American politician, 30th president of the United States (in office from 1923 to 1929)
Statement to reporters (2 August 1927); cited in Bartlett's Famous Quotations, 16th ed. (1992).
1920s
“I have absolutely no interest in running for president again.”
Hillary Clinton (1947) American politician, senator, Secretary of State, First Lady
ABC News TV interview, 2009-10-14. AFP http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gm7wRjrtKmZ_faPv0UVCgiOClxhg <br class="br">Secretary of State (2009–2013)
“My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm not running for president.”
Jimmy Carter (1924) American politician, 39th president of the United States (in office from 1977 to 1981)
Post-Presidency, DNC address (2004)