We take inspiration from history’s leaders and thinkers. Now that it looks like Donald Trump has a real shot at the Republican presidential nod, see how his words compare with legends and heroes:
On race
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” — The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I have black guys counting my money . . . I hate it. The only guys I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes all day.” — Trump
On wealth
“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”– Jesus Christ
“Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.”– Trump
On blood
“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.”– Prime Minister Winston Churchill
“She [Megyn Kelly] gets out there . . . and you could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her whatever.” — Trump
On immigration
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”– Poet Emma Lazarus”
When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending the best . . . They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists.” — Trump
On women
“Men’s minds are raised to the level of the women with whom they associate.” — Novelist Alexandre Dumas
“You know it really doesn”t matter what they write, as long you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of [expletive].” — Trump
On character
“Any fool can criticize, complain and condemn — and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”– Writer Dale Carnegie
Rosie O’Donnell is “disgusting.” . . . Bette Midler is “grotesque.” . . . Arianna Huffington is “a dog.” — Trump
On service to country
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” — President John F. Kennedy
“It’s very possible that I could be the first presidential candidate to run and make money on it.” — Trump
Playwright Mike Vogel blogs at newyorkgritty.net.
