Verbatim: Sep. 17, 2007

'It's the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion.' VALENTINO, legendary Italian designer known for his signature red dresses, announcing he will end his 45-year career in January

'The talk-show circuit is fine, but the town meetings show you're willing to listen to people and take their questions.' MITT ROMNEY, Republican presidential hopeful, making an early jab at opponent Fred Thompson, who is expected to announce his candidacy on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Sept. 5

'Wherever there is a Mexican, there is Mexico.' FELIPE CALDERON, President of Mexico, extolling the 48 Mexican consulates operating in the U.S. in order to assist Mexican nationals. In his annual address in Mexico City, he vowed to continue helping illegal aliens in the U.S., hinting that their deportation was a human-rights issue

'Thanks for the question, you little jerk. You're drafted.' JOHN MCCAIN, Republican U.S. Senator, responding jokingly to a Concord, N.H., high schooler's comment that at 71, McCain might be too old to serve as President

'Some people make groundless accusations against China. China has all along been opposed to and forbids criminal activities undermining computer networks, including hacking.' JIANG YU, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, denying claims that the Chinese military hacked into the Pentagon's computer system

'I feel like every American should spend a day in Iraq with these soldiers.'

KATIE COURIC, CBS Evening News anchor, reporting from Iraq. A widowed mother, she previously voiced concern about traveling to a war zone

Sources: BBC; AP; New York Times; CNN; AP; Washington Post