We needed to go back on the offense and offer clear leadership on Iraq.

Race is a constant factor in American life. Yet reacting to every incident,real or imagined, is crippling, tiring, and ultimately counterproductive.

I think our dependence on foreign oil is a real problem, potential Achilles heel, and we have to do something about it.

Our work has only begun. In our time we have an historic opportunity to shape a global balance of power that favors freedom and that will therefore deepen and extend the peace. And I use the word power broadly, because even more important than military and indeed economic power is the power of ideas, the power of compassion, and the power of hope.

I think there are plenty of men out there who are capable and accomplished in their own realm. You don't have to be in the same field.

I play classical music almost exclusively. I never mastered jazz or gospel in the way that my mother did. She was a fine improvisational musician. I pretty much have to stick to what's written on the page.

Diplomacy, if properly practiced, is not just talking for the sake of talking.