Freedom is the direction of history, because freedom is the permanent hope of humanity.

It's none of my business what somebody's [orientation is]. Now when somebody makes it my business, like on gay marriage, I'm going to stand up and say I don't support gay marriage. I support marriage between men and women.

Well from a personal perspective, quitting drinking is a decision I felt good about.

If our commanders on the ground say we need more troops, I will send them. But our commanders tell me they have the number of troops they need to do their job. Sending more Americans would undermine our strategy of encouraging Iraqis to take the lead in this fight. And sending more Americans would suggest that we intend to stay forever, when we are, in fact, working for the day when Iraq can defend itself and we can leave.

I ended up being the 43rd president of the United States. It was an awesome experience, and I'm glad I did it.

Reading history while you make history can teach you a lot.

This business about graceful exit just simply has no realism to it at all.