Having your fiscal house in order and having a more manageable macro-economic future is going to be very useful in creating growth.

There is no way to turn off this global economy, nor should one try. Every previous expansion of global capitalism has led to greater prosperity across the world.

Politics and power is a realm of relative influence.

I grew up in this world where everything seemed possible.

Americans have so far put up with inequality because they felt they could change their status. They didn't mind others being rich, as long as they had a path to move up as well. The American Dream is all about social mobility in a sense - the idea that anyone can make it.

If a senator calls me up and asks me what should we do in Iraq, I'm happy to talk to him.

I don't want to paint a picture of total gloom and doom.