When you wrestle with a pig, he has fun, and you just end up dirty.

The most effective means of ensuring the government's accountability to the people is an aggressive, free, challenging, untrusting press.

The United States has every intention of continuing to do the kind of reconnaissance and surveillance work we have done for decades, well known to everyone, that is essential to protect our national security, and frankly, the security of our friends in various regions of the world. It is part of our collection system.

Being kind doesn't mean being soft or a wuss. Kindness is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of confidence. If you have developed a reputation for kindness and consideration, then even the most unpleasant decisions will go down easier because everyone will understand why you are doing what you are doing. They will realize that your decision must be necessary, and is not arbitrary or without empathy. As the old saying puts it, 'To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.'

Being in charge sometimes means making people mad. Some days you have to overrule even the best advice, because you think it is not right.

Great leaders are those who are able to look reality in the face, however painful it may be, and deal with it.

You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.