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.

Our goal is to defend the American people, and to eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and to liberate the Iraqi people.

When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.

Politics is human beings; it's addition rather than subtraction.

Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.

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

Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction.