Every president when he is elected has to live with the pluses and minuses his predecessor leaves, which includes benefits as well as burdens.

You can have a broad popular democracy movement and have it end being taken over by the most vicious people and the result is you don't end up with free political systems or free economic systems, you end up with a handful of radicals controlling the country.

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

Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.

You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time.

To gain support in U.S. Congress and from other nations requires clarity, an acceptable mission and an explicit outcome.

Remember where you came from.