Greta Van Susteren Quotes

Powerful Greta Van Susteren for Daily Growth

About Greta Van Susteren

Greta Van Susteren, born on August 11, 1954, is an esteemed American journalist and television news personality. Raised in Wisconsin by her Norwegian parents, she developed a passion for storytelling and journalism early in life. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in political science, Van Susteren embarked on her journalism career, working as a reporter for WIGV-TV in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1980, she joined CNN and became one of the network's first staff reporters, covering significant events such as the Iran hostage crisis, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, and the Gulf War. Van Susteren gained prominence as a legal analyst following her move to NBC News in 1991 where she hosted "The McLaughlin Group" and later, "Greta" on MSNBC. Van Susteren joined Fox News Channel in 2002, hosting "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren," a program that quickly became one of the network's most-watched shows. Known for her thoughtful approach to interviewing guests and her commitment to fairness, she tackled controversial issues and interviewed influential figures, including Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. In 2016, Van Susteren left Fox News under somewhat contentious circumstances, citing disagreements with the network's management. She subsequently joined MSNBC as a political analyst. Throughout her career, Greta Van Susteren has been recognized for her dedication to journalism and has won several prestigious awards, including an Emmy Award and the George Polk Award for Excellence in Journalism. Some of her most notable quotes include: "I like to think that if I don't do it, nobody else will," and "As a journalist, you have to ask the tough questions and not be afraid." Her impact on American journalism and her unwavering commitment to truth and fairness continue to inspire a new generation of journalists.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The media doesn't create the story. The media reports the story."

This quote suggests that while the media plays a significant role in disseminating news, it does not fabricate stories or events themselves. Instead, it gathers information from various sources and presents it to the public. In essence, the media's function is to report on existing stories, not invent them.


"I don't think any journalist wants to be a hero, but I do believe that it is important for journalists to stand up for the truth."

Greta Van Susteren's quote emphasizes the role of journalism as a guardian of truth. She suggests that journalists should not seek personal glory or heroism, but rather uphold the values and integrity of truth in their reporting. This statement highlights the importance of ethical journalism in maintaining an informed public and democratic society.


"If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen... and find another line of work."

This quote, attributed to Greta Van Susteren, suggests that if one is unable or unwilling to handle adversity, stress, or challenging situations, they should reconsider their current position or pursuit, and perhaps seek a more suitable occupation where such conditions are less prevalent. Essentially, it encourages resilience and determination in the face of difficulty.


"The best stories are not always the ones we plan; they are the ones we discover."

Greta Van Susteren's quote highlights the unpredictable yet enriching nature of discovery. The most compelling narratives aren't necessarily those that are meticulously structured beforehand, but rather those that unfold spontaneously as we explore life, its events, and our interactions with people and the world around us. Life offers countless opportunities for serendipitous encounters and unexpected developments, which can yield fascinating tales that shape and enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world. This quote encourages us to embrace the element of surprise in life, open our minds to new possibilities, and appreciate the stories we encounter along the way.


"Being a journalist is like being a doctor for the mind: you don't want to be the cause of anyone's pain, but you have to treat the sickness."

This quote by Greta Van Susteren highlights the dual role that journalists play in society, functioning as healers of sorts for the mind. They are tasked with reporting on the facts, exposing truths, and disseminating information – much like a doctor diagnosing and treating a physical illness. However, their pursuit of truth can sometimes cause pain or discomfort to individuals or institutions involved, as they must confront and address difficult realities. This quote encapsulates the ethical tension between the responsibility of journalists to report honestly and objectively, while also being mindful of the potential emotional impact on their audience.


What person here illegally (and in his right mind), will go to the government, announce being here illegally (e.g. plead guilty), provide all sorts of information as to where that person lives etc. to get a work permit only to be a target for deportation in two years?

- Greta Van Susteren

Two, Here, Years, Etc

As we begin to leave Afghanistan, are we fooling ourselves about what we are leaving behind or what we have promised the people of Afghanistan? Especially the women and girls?

- Greta Van Susteren

Behind, Fooling, About, Women And Girls

Let's not kid ourselves. You pick up 'The Washington Post' and find O.J. Simpson on the front page; 'serious journalists' covered Anna Nicole Smith.

- Greta Van Susteren

Kid, Smith, Front Page, Nicole

People often ask why I left CNN - I didn't like management. I liked my colleagues in the news gathering but the corporate culture that seized management when AOL came in (Steve Case and Gerry Levin) was disgusting.

- Greta Van Susteren

Why, Gerry, Liked, Case

It is harder to lie in an interview. A good interview - and it can be polite - is not a one way street like a candidate controlled ad. An interview is not programmed by the candidate and so the candidate can't be exactly sure what will be asked.

- Greta Van Susteren

Sure, Polite, Ad, Interview

In an interview with a journalist, you look petty taking the pot shot but in a slick ad you can really do damage - including unfair damage - from afar. It is not that much different than waging a war by a drone than by hand-to-hand combat.

- Greta Van Susteren

Including, Damage, Ad, Interview

Unfortunately, this is a free society, and we're gonna have people with trucks, and people with bombs.

- Greta Van Susteren

Society, Gonna, Free Society, Trucks

Of course, every time someone does a story on plastic surgery, my name will be dragged up. I've made it safe for other people to have plastic surgery. It's no longer a bad word.

- Greta Van Susteren

Bad, Will, Other, Every Time

My close proximity to many of the newsmakers can give me a different perspective about people in politics and what they might say than others who don't know them.

- Greta Van Susteren

Politics, Give, Might, Proximity

I like really stupid comedies.

- Greta Van Susteren

Stupid, Like, Really, Comedies

A lot of people in this business are born with money or family connections.

- Greta Van Susteren

Business, Money, Lot, Connections

I've been a workaholic since I was 18.

- Greta Van Susteren

Been, Since, Workaholic

No candidate dares to look for a new campaign model that could really enhance the democratic process. Instead we are left with the current one which makes our candidates look like hucksters.

- Greta Van Susteren

Process, New, Which, Candidates

When Mrs. Bush was First Lady, she went all over the Mideast talking about breast cancer awareness and the need for early screening. She did this in places where the cultures prohibit such discussion or even detection efforts.

- Greta Van Susteren

Prohibit, Screening, Bush, Cancer

I'm an independent type. No one tells me what to do.

- Greta Van Susteren

Me, Independent, Type, Tells

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.