The capacity of Iraq's security forces has improved, and Iraq's leaders have made strides toward political accommodation

This is a time of great change in the world but America's always been a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope to peoples around the globe and that's what it must continue to be.

Peace is not merely the absence of visible conflict.

The truth is that America has been closely divided politically for quite some time. That was reflected in some of the challenges I had with the Republican Congress.

I would love to see an America where race is understood in the same way that the ethnic diversity of the white population is understood.

My finely honed political instincts tell me that almost nobody believes that they should be paying higher taxes.

What is portrayed as high-minded positions on issues sometimes is just designed to carve out some of their commercial interests.