When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.

The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential program is truly a federal responsibility or whether it can better be handled privately, by voluntary organizations, or by local or state governments.

America is not what's wrong with the world.

The most underestimated risk for a politician is overexposure.

A few. . . critics are the only people I ever heard use the phrase 'imminent threat.' I didn't, the president didn't.

Is it likely that an aircraft carrier or a cruise missile is going to find a person?

Being Vice President is difficult. Don't make it tougher.