Diplomacy can be a frustrating thing. I think the strategy can work, so long as the force is robust and the rules of engagement are clear.

I wouldn't join the International Criminal Court. This is a body based in The Hague where unaccountable judges, prosecutors, could pull our troops, our diplomats up for trial. And I wouldn't join. And I understand that in certain capitals of, around the world that that wasn't a popular move. But it's the right move not to join a foreign court that could, where our people could be prosecuted.

The main thrust of the Social Security reform was to get the benefit structure in line with the realities of the Trust Funds.

We're certain there are people that can't stand what America stands for... We're certain there are madmen in this world, and there's terror, and there's missiles and I'm certain of this, too: I'm certain to maintain the peace, we better have a military of high morale, and I'm certain that under this administration, morale in the military is dangerously low.

Sometimes armchair quarterbacks are doing it to enhance their own image. I'm just not comfortable with that idea.

I sent American troops to Iraq to make its people free, not to make them American. Iraqis will write their own history and find their own way.

It helps me sleep at night.