In terms of the economy, look, I inherited a recession, I am ending on a recession.

I got a lot of Ph.D.-types and smart people around me who come into the Oval Office and say, 'Mr. President, here's what's on my mind.' And I listen carefully to their advice. But having gathered the device, I decide, you know, I say, 'This is what we're going to do.'

I fully understand it's important to maintain the separation of church and state. We don't want the state to become the church, nor do we want the church to become the state.

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.

It is written that adversity introduces us to ourselves.

”In a time of war, the president must have the power he needs to make the tough decisions, including, if need be, the decision to grant himself even more power.”

The men and women of Afghanistan are building a nation that is free, and proud, and fighting terror - and America is honored to be their friend.