8 classic quotes from New York’s former Mayor Ed Koch
The outspoken former mayor died today at age 88. His brash way of speaking will never be forgotten.
He may be gone, but he leaves behind a trove of sound bites and quotes for us to enjoy.
Koch was a three-term mayor in New York (1978-1989), a time defined by near financial ruin, government corruption, and AIDS. He was an author and activist. He even appeared on “The People’s Court.”
A man who often asked people, “How’m I doin’?,” Koch has been described as acid-tongued, feisty, and pretentious. He was an iconic New Yorker.
I remember his press conferences and interviews being laced with “ahs” and “ums.” These are the cardinal sins of Toastmasters and professional speakers.
But for Koch, his vocal habits weren’t sinful. They defined him as being real. Mayor Koch spoke his mind. There was nothing tricky about him. Koch’s press conferences showed him without a jacket, sporting a wrinkled shirt, and rolled-up sleeves. Watch out.
Here are some classic quotes to shed light on how Koch communicated and lived:
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