I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House - with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.

I think people understand I'm not actually the real Thomas Jefferson.

I think Thomas Jefferson would have said the more speech, the better.

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

A professorship of theology should have no place in our institution.

We make no saint of Thomas Jefferson—we leave the mindless business of canonization and the worship of humans to the fanatics—but aware as we are of his many crimes and contradictions we say with confidence that his memory and example will endure long after the moral pygmies who try to blot out his name have been forgotten.