Ed Koch Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ed Koch.

Ed Koch was an American politician who served as the 105th mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. Born on December 12, 1924, in the Bronx, New York, Koch grew up in a Jewish immigrant family. He graduated from City College of New York and earned his law degree from New York University School of Law.

Koch began his political career in the 1960s, serving as a councilman and then as a U.S. congressman representing New York's 17th district. As mayor, Koch was known for his energetic and charismatic leadership style. He successfully steered New York City through a period of economic hardship, crime, and racial tensions, earning him a reputation as a tough and pragmatic leader. Koch was a champion of fiscal conservatism, advocating for budget cuts and attracting businesses to revitalize the city's economy.

During his tenure, Koch made significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, expanded housing programs, and worked towards reducing crime rates. He was often seen traveling around the city, engaging with its residents, and responding to their concerns. Koch's distinctive catchphrase, "How'm I doin'?", became synonymous with his administration.

After leaving office, Koch remained an influential figure in New York City politics, writing books, hosting television shows, and becoming a vocal advocate for various causes. Ed Koch passed away on February 1, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and dedication to his beloved city.

If you listen to Giuliani, it's like nobody did anything to

If you listen to Giuliani, it's like nobody did anything to improve the city except him. I'm not part of the history. Bloomberg's not part of the history. It's like, he did it. He's the only one. That's why he's a little crazy.

There was always a love-hate relationship with New York in t

There was always a love-hate relationship with New York in the rest of the country, but I made them feel more love than hate.

Citizens, thank you for all your birthday wishes. I am 88 ye

Citizens, thank you for all your birthday wishes. I am 88 years old today and still lucky to live in the greatest city in the world.

Birthday

I don't believe that in our society that we should have guns

I don't believe that in our society that we should have guns.

Society

No, I am not a homosexual. If I were a homosexual, I would h

No, I am not a homosexual. If I were a homosexual, I would hope I would have the courage to say so. What's cruel is that you are forcing me to say I am not a homosexual. This means you are putting homosexuals down. I don't want to do that.

Courage

I was drafted into the Army when I was 19 and came out at ag

I was drafted into the Army when I was 19 and came out at age 22. Most people that I knew didn't think they'd come home alive. I didn't think I would either, so I was happy when I did.

Age

The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match.

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

Education

Stereotypes lose their power when the world is found to be m

Stereotypes lose their power when the world is found to be more complex than the stereotype would suggest. When we learn that individuals do not fit the group stereotype, then it begins to fall apart.

Power

There's a nastiness out there that wants to harm me with wor

There's a nastiness out there that wants to harm me with words. These are my enemies - the ideologues, the populists, the columnists who don't like the fact that I take them on toe-to-toe. What I try to do is tell the truth. It's not the coin of the realm in politics.

Politics

I was not afraid of the press or the militants. It was uncom

I was not afraid of the press or the militants. It was uncomfortable, but I was not afraid. With respect to the press, I knew I knew more than they knew about city matters. With respect to the militants, I understood it. I mean, everybody believed in those days that they were being screwed, you know, that somebody was getting ahead of them.

Respect