The framers, in their wisdom, designed the [political] system so that power's pretty disbursed.

Strong countries and strong presidents talk to their adversaries. That's what Kennedy did with Khrushchev. That's what Reagan did with Gorbachev. That's what Nixon did with Mao. I mean think about it. Iran, Cuba, Venezuela - these countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union. They don't pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us. And yet we were willing to talk to the Soviet Union at the time when they were saying we're going to wipe you off the planet.

It's time to put country ahead of party. It's time to put the next generation ahead of the next election.

One of the thing about being President - that can't be taught, you have to experience, is - there is the sheer weight of decision making. And when I make a decision to send 17,000 young Americans to Afghanistan - you can understand that intellectually. But understanding what that means for those families, for those young people - when you end up sitting at your desk, signing - a condolence letter to one of the family members of a fallen hero - you're reminded each and every day, at every moment, that - the decisions you make count.

[We should beware] that our democracy stays healthy. And making sure that we maintain that sense of solidarity.

My presidency is not over. I've got another five years coming up.

I know that gaps can be closed. And they can be closed substantially, more than I think we believe.