My overall worldview has never changed: that America has and must maintain the strongest military in the world, that we must lead the international community to confront threats and challenges together, and that we must use all tools of American power to protect our citizens and our interests.

Iraq was a war of choice, like Vietnam.

There are always consequences to actions that you take. There are consequences to inaction. And thinking through, asking the questions, "Well, then what happens? What comes next?" is critically important.

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.

It is easy to get into war, not so easy to get out.

Engagement is not appeasement. Engagement is not surrender.

No one person leads alone - can't do it, it's impossible. It doesn't make any sense. You need a team.