Look for what's missing. Many advisors can tell a President how to improve what's proposed or what's gone amiss. Few are able to see what isn't there.

When someone with a rural accent says, "I don't know much about politics," zip up your pockets.

If in doubt, don't. If still in doubt, do what's right.

Don't think of yourself as indispensable or infallible. As Charles De Gaulle said, the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable men.

To gain support in U.S. Congress and from other nations requires clarity, an acceptable mission and an explicit outcome.

You're thinking of Europe as Germany and France. I don't. I think that's old Europe.

Napoleon was asked, "Who do you consider to be the greatest generals?" He responded saying, "The victors.