Perpetual optimism is annoying. It is a sign that you are not paying attention.

- Maureen Dowd

Wooing the press is an exercise roughly akin to picnicking with a tiger. You might enjoy the meal, but the tiger always eats last.

- Maureen Dowd

A friendship between reporter and source lasts only until it is profitable for one to betray the other.

- Maureen Dowd

Women have become so obsessed with not withering, they've forgotten that there are infinite ways to be beautiful.

- Maureen Dowd

Paul Ryan, who teamed up with Akin in the House to sponsor harsh anti-abortion bills, may look young and hip and new generation, with his iPod full o…

- Maureen Dowd

Just because digital technology makes connecting possible doesn't mean you're actually reaching people.

- Maureen Dowd

Celebrity distorts democracy by giving the rich, beautiful, and famous more authority than they deserve.

- Maureen Dowd

The sounds of silence are a dim recollection now, like mystery, privacy and paying attention to one thing — or one person — at a time.

- Maureen Dowd

Zingers should glow with intelligence as well as drip with contempt.

- Maureen Dowd