Institutions are imperfect. Governments surely are. People are.

Foreign policy will require a strategic agility that, whenever possible, gets ahead of problems, strengthens U.S. security and alliances, and promotes American interests and credibility.

I don't get into the book-telling business of conversations I have with the president. That's not my style, and I don't think that's a responsible thing to do.

And this - this board was - was impanelled in 1951. And it's gone through ups and downs in how the secretaries have used it. But I have put a premium on that advisory board.

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

Well, let's go back to the original intent of Social Security. It is an insurance contract.

Alliances and international organizations should be understood as opportunities for leadership and a means to expand our influence, not as constraints on our power.