I think you can improve on that natural ability with training and exposure to great leaders of the past and to management theories.

Many interviewers when they come to talk to me, think they're being progressive by not mentioning in their stories any longer that I'm black. I tell them, 'Don't stop now. If I shot somebody you'd mention it.'

The commander in the field is always right and the rear echelon is wrong, unless proved otherwise.

I always like to take my time and examine the two candidates, see not only the two candidates but the policies they will bring in, the people they will bring in, who they might appoint to the Supreme Court, and look at the whole range of issues before making a decision.

We need stable regimes in this part of the world [the Mideast] who will be partners and friends of ours, because the fact of the matter is we do rely on imported oil to fuel our economy and to fuel our nation.

Always be looking for the opportunities, and always be optimistic about what you can do with that opportunity.

The essence of leadership is building bonds of trust in your organization.