Iran is an ancient land, home to a proud culture with a rich heritage of learning and progress. The future of Iran will be decided by the people of Iran. Right now, the Iranian people are struggling with difficult questions about how to build a modern 21st century society that is at once Muslim, prosperous, and free. There is a long history of friendship between the American people and the people of Iran. As Iran's people move towards a future defined by greater freedom, greater tolerance, they will have no better friend than the United States of America.

I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office.

I've reminded the prime minister-the American people, Mr. Prime Minister, over the past months that it was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship.

Iraq and Afghanistan are now democracies and they are allies in the cause of freedom and peace.

Nearly all Americans have ancestors who braved the oceans - liberty-loving risk takers in search of an ideal - the largest voluntary migrations in recorded history... Immigration is not just a link to America's past; it's also a bridge to America's future.

There's a way to accomplish the separation of church and state and at the same time accomplish the social objective of having America become a hopeful place and loving place.

I think by not participating in the current political debate, hopefully I'm sending a signal that will help set a tone.