Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered key aspects of the issue.

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

What will follow will not be a repeat of any other conflict. It will be of a force and scope and scale that has been beyond what has been seen before.

The worst thing you can do is allow a coalition to determine what your mission is.

Control your time. If you're working off your in-box, you're working off the priorities of others. Be sure the staff is working on what you move to them from the President, or the President will be reacting, not leading.

Presidential leadership needn't always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective.

"Do you have any regrets?" Of course I do.