I took an oath of office to the Constitution, I didn't take an oath of office to my party or my president.

All I can do is present what I think is in the best interest of this country and how I can best serve this country and the president of the United States. And I feel very good about that opportunity I've had.

(The) chain of command has failed over the years, obviously, for a lot of reasons.

We can't ... take that piece of reality in this business and set that aside and say, well, that doesn't count. And the Republicans on my side understand that the majority is in fact up for grabs next year. So there's not a decision made up here that doesn't have that factor coursing through that current.

The United States can't impose democracies. We can't impose our will. The Russians found that out in Afghanistan.

I have said many times that Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism.

Politics or ideology must not get in the way of sound planning.