I'm not so sure the role of the United States is going around the world saying this is the way its gotta be.

So, for example, a country was into recession right after I was sworn in, a dot-com bust had taken place. Then the attacks of September the 11th, and then of course the great financial meltdown in the - the fundamental question facing any presidency is how do you deal with the hand you’re dealt?

We've been able to watch on our television screens sophisticated weaponry find a building; and we've seen dramatic reports from the front where Pulitzer Prize-to-be winning reporters stood up and declared, the United States is attacked, and all that.

Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos.

I don't particularly like it when people put words in my mouth, either, by the way, unless I say it.

I believe in open government. I've always believed in open government. I don't e-mail, however. And there's a reason: I don't want you reading my personal stuff.

I have something else to ask you, to ask every American. I ask you to pray for this great nation.