I can't deny that it will be a historic event for an African-American to become president. And should that happen, all Americans should be proud - not just African-Americans, but all Americans - that we have reached this point in our national history where such a thing could happen. It will also not only electrify our country, I think it'll electrify the world.

We want to approach this in a multilateral way, talking with our friends, consulting with our security council colleagues in the United Nations, hoping to find a way to solve this peacefully, but at the same time recognising that unless the threat of military force is there, Iraq will not disarm.

Nobody has ever said in the United States government that we are going to war next month. No decision has been made by the president because, as he said to the United Nations, he wants the United Nations to live up to its responsibilities and he wants Saddam Hussein to cooperate.

Some people naturally have a sense of empathy and an understanding of how to bring their followers to do things. They become great politicians.

Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved.

Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families.

It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.