Martin Van Buren Quotes

“For all the noise and heat generated by the 1840 campaign, its most lasting legacy may have been one of the shortest words in the English language. In the spring of 1839, the phrase “OK” began to circulate in Boston as shorthand for “oll korrect,” a slangy way of saying “all right.” Early in 1840, Van Buren’s supporters began to use the trendy expression as a way to identify their candidate, whom they labored to present as “Old Kinderhook,” perhaps in imitation of Jackson’s Old Hickory. Van Buren even wrote “OK” next to his signature. It spread like wildfire, and to this day it is a universal symbol of something elemental in the American character—informality, optimism, efficiency, call it what you will. It is spoken seven times a day by the average citizen, two billion utterances overall. And, of course it goes well beyond our borders; if there is a single sound America has contributed to the esperanto of global communication, this is it.”
― Ted Widmer, Martin Van Buren

“First, the panic had struck a death blow at his presidency. Now the slavery debate was turning acrimonious, making normal politics impossible.”
― Ted Widmer, Martin Van Buren

“Memorably, he said, “I had rather have live vermin on my back than the tongue of one of these Washington women on my reputation.”
― Ted Widmer, Martin Van Buren