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.

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

Find ways to decentralize. Move decision making authority down and out. Encourage a more entrepreneurial approach.

The most underestimated risk for a politician is overexposure.

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.

If you look ahead 10 years, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the people of Russia had become fans of missile defence.

When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views.