I think the country's getting disgusted with Washington partly because of the decline of civility in government.

By the time Obama came into office Washington had already agreed over a period of a few weeks to a $700 billion government infusion into the world banking system. Nothing of the sort had ever been done before and it was done spit spot with very little national debate.

Our goal is to displace the entrenched powers in Washington restore the rightful balance between the state and federal government.

This administration in Washington that's in power now clearly believes that government is not only the answer to every need but it's the most qualified to make the most central decisions for every American in every area.

In the rush to become all things to all people the federal government has lost sight of its core responsibilities. As a result we're stuck in this frustrating paradox where Washington actually neglects things it's clearly supposed to be doing while interfering in other areas where they are neither welcome nor authorized.

I can't really criticize the Tea Party people because I came into the White House pretty much on the same basis that they have become popular. That is dissatisfaction with the way things are going in Washington and disillusionment and disencouragement about the government.

The mystery of government is not how Washington works but how to make it stop.

Washington is a place where politicians don't know which way is up and taxes don't know which way is down.

For most Americans Friday afternoons are filled with positive anticipation of the weekend. In Washington it's where government officials dump stories they want to bury. Good news gets dropped on Monday so bureaucrats can talk about it all week.

Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote.