I was the Commander in Chief with men and women in combat. And the idea of trying to agonize in public or show weakness would have demoralized them.

I saw a poll that said the right track/wrong track in Iraq was better than here in America. It's pretty darn strong. I mean, the people see a better future.

I believe it is in the national interest that government stand side-by-side with people of faith who work to change lives for the better. I understand in the past, some in government have said government cannot stand side-by-side with people of faith. Let me put it more bluntly, government can't spend money on religious programs simply because there's a rabbi on the board, cross on the wall, or a crescent on the door. I viewed this as not only bad social policy - because policy by-passed the great works of compassion and healing that take place - I viewed it as discrimination.

It's very important for folks to understand that when there's more trade, there's more commerce.

I'm forever a former president and I understand that, but at this point in my post-presidency, I don't want to be involved with politics.

I think I'm the only president other than John Kennedy who had both parents alive during the presidency.

We'll let our friends be the peacekeepers and the great country called America will be the pacemakers.