Most people either really love or hate Leslie Knope. However, it’s easy to agree that she gets things done. In successfully running the Pawnee Parks and Recreation department, she memorably ran the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation. We can all strive to be the Leslie Knope of whatever we do. These 25 lines showcase some of the quintessential Leslie moments we’ll never forget. Let’s get started!
Leslie meets Michelle Obama
-Out of all the political guest stars on Parks and Rec, Michelle Obama shined bright!
Leslie perfectly conveyed her love and admiration for the First Lady, even through her
Shock! I don’t know that I’d be any more eloquent meeting Mrs. Obama.
“That’s insane! You love Harry Potter! You’ve seen all eight movies!”
-Nobody does friendship quite as intensely as Leslie. Whether it’s a new scrapbook or special anniversary, she’s completely devoted. She also completely has her blinders on to the flaws in any of her logic.
“On my side I have facts, science, and research. All he has is fear mongering.
Oh my God. He’s gonna win.”
-Mark Twain says, “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” Leslie had to remember this when dealing with the people of Pawnee.
“We need to remember what’s most important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, and work. But work has to come third”
-A lesson for all of us straight from Leslie Knope’s mouth. If even she can delegate work to third place, then we can definitely prioritize what’s most important in our own lives. Like waffles.
“There are no consequences to my actions anymore. I’m like a white, male, US senator.”
-And women all over the country said YES. Leslie worked hard to call out and fight against sexism that she saw or experienced. She was always brave enough to call it like it is.
“There’s nothing we can’t do if we work hard, never sleep, and shirk all other responsibilities in our lives.”
-Leslie Knope in her truest form. Who else could thrive on three hours of sleep each night and spearhead every initiative she devotes her heart to? Add in a hearty serving of waffles and she’s unstoppable.
“If I seem too passionate, it’s because I care. If I come on too strong, it’s because I feel strongly. And if I push too hard, it’s because things aren’t moving fast enough.”
-Too bad the entire world doesn’t run as efficiently as Leslie. Or even just my house. I’d elect a thousand Leslies if she could get our government running as smoothly as she does!
“I need you to text me every 30 seconds saying everything is gonna be ok.”
-Leave it to Leslie to know exactly what she needs and make sure that need is met. We all need an Ann to reassure us when the entire world seems to be crashing down. And sometimes we can choose to be a reassuring Ann.
“What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring really loudly at me.”
-The perfect silent mantra for the next time a customer yells at you for something wildly out of your control. And then you can give them the same pep talk if you happen to start yelling back.
“I’ve gone on record that if I had to have a stripper’s name, it would be equality.”
-Leslie in her truest form. She probably also knows which vegetable she’d want to be (none of them, duh) and what her spirit animal is.
“I am super chill all the time!!”
-There’s no choice but to read this at a shriek. This is what your mom yells after you call her out for freaking out about something insignificant. Riiiight, sounds super chill.
“Guys love it when you can show them you’re better than they are at something they love.”
-Doesn’t matter if it’s in sports or hobbies or games, women all know how men love to be shown up and bested. It’s an even better experience when the woman has never tried it before.
“I’m just trying to stop time with legally binding friendship contracts. What part of that do you not understand?”
-”I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you actually left them.” -Andy Dwyer
When you actually do know you’re in the good old days, it’s hard to consider the thought of giving them up.
“I have to go.. Um.. the whizz palace.”
-Raise your hand if you have also now called the bathroom the whizz palace after this. Definitely a good way to add an extra level of awkward to any situation.
“If I was sick could I do this?”
-Maybe she couldn’t do cartwheels, but she could still deliver a perfectly articulate speech about the merits of the Harvest Festival. Nothing can ever stop Leslie from her government work. Except being fired from government work.
“I believe assault should be legal if the person is a jerk.”
-Now, what level jerk are we talking here? Stole your parking spot or started rumors about you at work? Doesn’t matter, Leslie will always make the right call.
“I am having so many thoughts and feelings that I’m paralyzed right now.”
-Me, in the shower at night thinking about all the things I still need to do. And me again, when Netflix announced they were removing Parks and Recreation from their lineup.
“I am gonna get drunk, and then I’m gonna order a three course meal where each course is made of desert.”
-I can’t imagine anyone not on board with this plan. I’m also shocked this didn’t come out of Andy or April’s mouth instead.
“You have five seconds to get out of here or I will rip your throats out.”
-Can people just fight against a multimillion dollar company on principle and win? No, not really. But Leslie Knope will find a way. Once she gets past her hatred.
“Sup fartwads?”
-We all knew that Leslie would come back from this moment, but seeing her give up after being recalled still felt like daggers to the heart. We know she’s better than that!
“I love parks. I don’t know if that’s something I’ve communicated before.”
-What better way to celebrate your love of parks than gather all the former Pawnee Parks and Recreation directors? What could possibly go wrong when taking a group of grumpy old men on an extensive hike and picnic?
“I adopted 32 dogs and cats. Do you want pancakes?”
-Top level problem solving. Also top level smells in your house and top level pet food costs. It’s every four year old’s dream come true.
“The only thing I’ll be waving is your decapitated head on a stick in front of your weeping mother!”
-This may have been Leslie’s first comment about Ben’s body that didn’t pertain to his perfect butt or elfin stature. There’s no limit, though, when it comes to the quest to win the high school model UN. This is literally war.
“Why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food?!”
-Whether it’s Leslie spending $1,000 on waffles or Ron eating ALL the eggs and bacon, it’s hard to deny the love of breakfast food on Parks and Recreation. And the love lasts for a very good, delicious reason.
“I don’t want to be overdramatic but today felt like a hundred years in hell and the absolute worst day of my life.”
-Said everyone on the last day of finals. Some days are better left in the past and never to be thought of again. Like that time you got food poisoning from the gas station sushi.
Which of these screams Leslie Knope to you? Maybe you have another in mind. Let me know in the comments below!
People also ask:
Why is Leslie Knope a good leader?
-Leslie devotes her life to the betterment of the world around her and the joy of others. Any selfishness she has is unintentional and quickly remedied. She always follows through and keeps her promises, fighting for equality for all and greater lives for all the people she serves.
