What they said: Quotes and soundbites

Newt Gingrich wins re-election but faces criticism over the party campaign strategy

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[an error occurred while processing this directive]A look at what some of the key participants have made of the results of the US mid-term elections:

The Democrats

"This is a very great night. I never thought we'd do this well in my wildest dreams ... Obviously the president feels very good."
Democratic Party Chairman Roy Romer
"This is a party that's back all over the country, competitive in every region ... I think voters spoke loudly and clearly ... Republicans in Congress ought to listen up."
Steve Grossman, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

The Republicans

"I'm disappointed we didn't win seats, but I do think it's a pretty historic achievement to still be the majority."
House Speaker Newt Gingrich

"We're going to have to start talking about what we're for - and not what we're against."
Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona

"The Republican party has to get off its dime and start waking up ... We've got to go after the minority vote - the Hispanic, African American, Asian and every other minority. We can't afford to ignore anybody. Sometimes I think we do. And I think that's wrong."
Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch

The president

"The lesson all people should draw is the people who were rewarded were rewarded because they want to do something for the American people ... I think it is a vindication of the policies and of the general policy of putting partisanship behind progress and of putting people before politics."
President Clinton

"I think it's got to take some of the steam out of [the impeachment process]."
Democrat Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota

"The message all over the country is that they want us to get back to work on the people's business."
Vice President Al Gore