If I look at the really important questions in [Middle East] region, I see Iran, where there is a strong desire for a freer society and where people are repressed by a small group of ayatollahs. I see Syria, where we can see a similar desire of the people to be free. These two countries fund Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations and are hurting our efforts in Afghanistan and have been extremely harmful in Iraq. Then I also see large, important countries such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

We do have a saying in America: if you're in a hole, stop digging ..... erm, I'm not sure I should have said that.

Certainty without power can be interesting, even amusing. Certainty with power can be dangerous.

The price of being close to the President is delivering bad news. You fail him if you don't tell him the truth. Others won't do it.

First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.

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

Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help.