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

If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.

The coalition did not act in Iraq because we had discovered dramatic new evidence of Iraq's pursuit. We acted because we saw the evidence in a dramatic new light - through the prism of our experience on 9/11.

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.

If in doubt, don't. If still in doubt, do what's right.

Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.

When you're skiing, if you're not falling you're not trying.