Charlie Sheen and the Government Spending Battle on Capitol Hill

Politicians often quote American statesmen when they make their arguments. They cite Thomas Jefferson. Refer to Harry Truman. Invoke the name of Henry Clay.

On Tuesday morning, reporters thought Charlie Sheen may have entered that hallowed, rhetorical pantheon as House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., came close to quoting the embattled actor when asked a question about who should forge a path ahead on a long-term spending agreement to avert a government shutdown.

"The winners. They ran to be leaders," Hoyer said.

At that point, a reporter followed up to ask if the Maryland Democrat was purposely quoting Sheen. CBS unceremoniously dumped Sheen from his TV show "Two and a Half Men" a few weeks ago for his bizarre behavior. But in the press, Sheen has repeatedly claimed he is "winning."

Hoyer told the press corps it wasn't his intention to quote Sheen.

"Certainly not," answered Hoyer with a laugh. "God forbid I quote Charlie Sheen."