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

Now, settle down, settle down. Hell, I'm an old man, it's early in the morning and I'm gathering my thoughts here.

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

Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution.

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

The United States isn't going to do anything that it's not capable of doing. And if we do something, we'll be capable of doing it.

Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When errors occur, give sharper guidance. If errors persist or if the fit feels wrong, help them move on. The country cannot afford amateur hour in the White House.