I talked about the human suffering in Iraq. And I also saw the need to advance a freedom agenda. Imagine a world in which Saddam Hussein was there, stirring up even more trouble in a part of the world that had so much resentment and so much hatred that people came and killed 3,000 of our citizens. I've heard this theory about everything was just fine until we arrived and the stir-up-the-hornet's- nest theory. It just doesn't hold water, as far as I'm concerned. The terrorists attacked us and killed 3,000 of our citizens before we started the freedom agenda in the Middle East.

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

In my judgement, when the United States says there will be serious consequences, and if there isn't serious consequences, it creates adverse consequences.

I mean, if you've ever been a governor of a state, you understand the vast potential of broadband technology, you understand how hard it is to make sure that physics, for example, is taught in every classroom in the state. It's difficult to do. It's, like, cost-prohibitive.

I feel a special kinship with our military personnel, veterans, and their families. After all, two of my decisions sent them into harm's way.

Right now, Iraq is expanding and improving facilities that were used for the production of biological weapons.

As yesterday's positive report card shows, childrens do learn when standards are high and results are measured. —New York, Sept. 26, 2007