Top 5 Most Memorable Quotes of the 2000s

By: Jordan Rowe

There is no denying the fact that the 2000s had their fair share of slip-ups, gaffes, and light-hearted moments. From Katrina’s wrath to the election path, America’s best and brightest have offered us many memorable quotes over the past ten years. So without further ado…I give you the Top 5 Memorable Quotes of the Aughts!

#5 “It’s not surprising then that they get bitter and they cling to guns or religion or antipathy towards people who aren’t like them.”-Sen. Barack Obama (2008)

A mistake wouldn’t you say? Obama recited this statement behind closed doors in San Francisco while on the campaign trail, describing rural Pennsylvanians as “bitter” and “clinging to their guns and religion.” Obama’s attempt at blowing off steam caused Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity to have a field day. And his image took a severe hit, causing many blue dog Democrats to support Hillary Clinton. But, obviously, it didn’t cost him the presidency. We enjoyed seeing your true colors though, Barack.

#4 “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”-Kayne West (2005)

Who else would make such a statement? Following Hurricane Katrina, West got on the airwaves during a telethon alongside Mike Myers and recited this statement. Myers instantly went pale and his eyes looked like saucers. This just goes to prove that Kayne was Kayne even before his rant at this year’s VMA Awards. Kayne proceeded to march up on stage after Taylor Swift won Best Female Video and shouted, “I’m sorry, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.” What would we do without him?

#3 “Change has come to America.”-Sen. Barack Obama (2008)

It’s the true genius of America…that it can change. On a chilly election night, soon to be President Barack Obama stood in Chicago’s Grant Park to give a victory speech for the ages. As a man who preached change on the election trail, Obama stood before the world on that night proclaiming the greatness of America and its people. The election marked a turning point in the decade, and an even bigger point in history.

#2 “The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.”-Gov. Sarah Palin (2008)

Mom’s everywhere had a twinkle in their eye. They had finally found…their candidate. As John McCain’s surprise pick for Vice President, Sarah Palin had a lot of proving to do. And it was this speech at the Republican National Convention that solidified her place as a hero of conservatives. From this point forward they knew that her gaffes in an interview with Katie Couric, or Tina Fey’s parody of her on Saturday Night Live didn’t matter. Everyone realized that she was just your average hockey mom…no biggie. She had passed the test as far as they were concerned.

#1 “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job!”-President Bush (2005)

In hindsight, you can’t help but laugh at this remark from President Bush to former FEMA Director Michael Brown. At the time, however, things were quite serious. New Orleans and the state of Louisiana were in utter havoc following Hurricane Katrina, and Brown appeared as little bow peep afraid to enter the fray. To make matters worse, President Bush tells him he’s “doing a heck of job.” Brown resigned just a few short days after President Bush made this remark. And New Orleans continued to look like a third world country for many months afterwards. Clearly, this remark of #43’s presidency is used as political firewood for many Bush haters. And it certainly is true that the administration’s response to the storm was one of its most troublesome aspects in Bush’s 8 years in the White House. We must forgive, but not forget Bush's statement.