Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning.

One of your tasks is to separate the 'personal' from the 'substantive.' The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the President wrong.

When I served as US Ambassador to NATO in the 1970s, the center of gravity in Europe was France and Germany.

Listening to both sides does not necessarily bring about a correct judgment.

Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

I think it's very useful for you folks (reporters) to try your damndest to be precise. And don't repeat things that are inaccurate if you can possibly avoid it. And when you see things that are inaccurate, knock them down -- because there's a bucket of it floating around.

If there are people who yearn for the days when Saddam Hussein was in power, then I am not among them.