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.
Edward Koch

I know many writers who first dictate passages, then polish what they have dictated. I speak, then I polish - occasionally I do windows.
Edward Koch

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

I'm not the type to get ulcers. I give them.
Edward Koch

If I traveled to the end of the rainbow as Dame Fortune did intend, Murphy would be there to tell me the pot's at the other end.
Edward Koch

If they don't want to pay for it, they can stop drinking it.
Edward Koch

If you don't like the President, it costs you 90 bucks to fly to Washington to picket. If you don't like the Governor, it costs you 60 bucks to fly to Albany to picket. If you don't like me, 90 cents.
Edward Koch

If you seek violence, we will seek to put you in jail.
Edward Koch

In a neighborhood, as in life, a clean bandage is much, much better than a raw or festering wound.
Edward Koch

In action be primitive; in foresight, a strategist.
Edward Koch


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

The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.
Edward Koch

The knife of corruption endangered the life of New York City. The scalpel of the law is making us well again.
Edward Koch

The mere process of growing old together will make the slightest acquaintance seem a bosom friend.
Edward Koch

The person who is bent on killing you will follow you wherever you are.
Edward Koch

Tone can be as important as text.
Edward Koch

Water, water, everywhere, Atlantic and Pacific. But New York City's got them beat, Our aqua is terrific!
Edward 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.
Edward Koch

When all are wrong, everyone is right.
Edward Koch