Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.'

It is very difficult to spend "federal (the taxpayers') dollars" so that the intended result is achieved.

Plan backwards as well as forward. Set objectives and trace back to see how to achieve them. You may find that no path can get you there. Plan forward to see where your steps will take you, which may not be clear or intuitive.

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.

I am not going to give you a number for it because it's not my business to do intelligent work.

Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war.