The president of the United States is the commander in chief, and the people who work with him at the National Security Council are his arm in working with the Defense Department. And, quite frankly, they have responsibility for all of the government. We are one component of the government.

I'm not saying my idea is the one and only idea. We should have other ideas, but the president has not laid down a specific plan as to how he's going to get us to solvency. I do that.

Peace comes through dealing with people. Peace doesn't come at the end of a bayonet or the end of a gun.

If America is to succeed in responding to these 21st Century challenges, our political system cannot continue to bog down in the mire of partisan gamesmanship.

Imposing democracy through force is a roll of the dice.

Engagement is not appeasement. Engagement is not surrender.

Assad must go. He's lost the legitimacy to govern.