We're not running out of [fixed] targets. Afghanistan is.

Don't be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or you, delegate it. Force responsibility down and out. Find problem areas, add structure and delegate. The pressure is to do the reverse. Resist it.

There is no question but that when one is engaged militarily that there are going to be unintended loss of life.

The United States isn't going to do anything that it's not capable of doing. And if we do something, we'll be capable of doing it.

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

No. That's someone else's business. Quagmire is - I don't do quagmires.

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