Comments on: The Quick 10: 10 Famous Comments Made By Non-U.S. Politicians

By: Yessika

Yessika — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:02:00 +0000

There are many phrases from Mexican politics that…well, what can I say? “Ese gallo quiere su máiz” said by Porfirio Diaz, Mexican dictator from the XIX and XX century that means “That rooster wants his corn” He said this about the journalists writing against his regime.

Luis Echeverrría, Mexican president from 1970 to 1976, “Ni nos beneficia ni nos perjudica..sino todo lo contrario” which means “It doesn’t benefit or harms us…but on the contrary” No comments.

And last but not least, José López Portillo who was Mexican president from 1976 to 1982 “Defenderé el peso como un perro” which means “I’ll defend the peso (Mexican currancy) like a dog” This was said during a presidential inform, and 15 days later the peso collapsed.

By: Blitzen

Blitzen — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:03:00 +0000

There is also French President Charles de Gaulle’s infamous “Vive le Quebec libre!” on visiting Montreal in 1967. Highly inflammatory considering the ongoing situation with the FLQ.

By: Cardinal_Fang

Cardinal_Fang — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:25:00 +0000

Ah, good ole Pierre E. Trudeau. He truly was the greatest Canadian PM ever and this coming from a Westerner. I agree with Ezra, when Trudeau said his “just watch me” quote, he solidified his position as the coolest politician of all time. Every CDN politician since hasn’t come close him in the coolness factor. A stick has more of a personality then Stephen Harper.
You could also include a quote by former Alberta premier Ralph Klein the Drunk when he was still Mayor of Calgary was talking about people from eastern Canada moving to Calgary. He thought that they were responsible for driving up the crime rate and said something like he would protect Calgary from “eastern bums and creeps”
Some other quotes from Ralph Klein – the guy was nuts!
“I WASN’T SUPRISED THAT SHE CROSSED OVER TO THE LIBERALS. I DON’T THINK SHE EVER DID HAVE A CONSERVATIVE BONE IN HER BODY. WELL, MAYBE ONE.
Klein at a charity roast, talking about Tory turncoat Belinda Stronach — who used to date Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay — on Nov. 7, 2006.
“YOU WOULD HAVE TO EAT 10 BILLION MEALS OF BRAINS, SPINAL CORDS, GANGLIA, EYEBALLS AND TONSILS.”
Klein in 2005 on the risk being infected with bovine spongiform encephalitis, or mad cow disease.
“DINOSAUR FARTS.”
Klein’s 2002 offering on what might have brought on the Ice Age that killed off dinosaurs.

By: SM

SM — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:45:00 +0000

Kate, I have an ad for Chris Gregoire, so it’s a coincidence. Apparently, she changed Washington State before changing Washington was cool. Cheers, Chris!
-stephanie

By: Joel

Joel — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:05:00 +0000

@Kate: McCain’s “the fundamentals of our economy are strong” right before our economy collapsed on itself is priceless, and from a totally non-partisan standpoint deserves a spot on this page.
OR post one of McCain’s quotes regarding deregulating the economy from as recently as march, and then post his most recent flip-flop calling for more regulation.

By: Dee

Dee — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:12:00 +0000

You might also want to check out the many colourful sayings of former Australian prime minister Paul Keating. There are even archives of his insults.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:32:00 +0000

Was the McCain-Palin ad above specifically added to this post? Or is that just a coincidence?

(btw, I love mental_floss to pieces and the interesting discussions on politics-but I could do without the political ads).

By: GTT

GTT — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:58:00 +0000

I have to say that the “PORQUE NO TE CALLAS?” from King Juan Carlos to Chavez was one of the sweetest moments in history. It almost makes my heart swell with happiness!

And this from a Venezuelan! (albeit an anti-Chavez one…)

By: John

John — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:34:00 +0000

I was always a fan of the time Trudeau flipped the bird to the camera crew. And Cretien will always be the Prime Minister who put that protester in a head lock.

On a semi-related note – any Canucks out there – REMEMBER TO VOTE TOMORROW!! Don’t care who you vote for – JUST VOTE!!!

By: JennB

JennB — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:32:00 +0000

Trudeau: “I was saying ‘vacuum’!”