Sixty years of Western nations excusing and accommodating the lack of freedom in the Middle East did nothing to make us safe because in the long run stability cannot be purchased at the expense of liberty. ... The global wave of democracy has barely reached the Arab states. For too long, many people in that region have been victims and subjects. They deserve to be active citizens.

I think war is a dangerous place.

Running for governor of Texas against a very popular governor [incumbent Ann Richards] was deemed to be risky. Everybody thought I would lose. As I put in my book, my mother said, "You're going to lose!"

To the captives, 'come out,' -- and to those in darkness, 'be free.'

Iraq has stockpiled biological and chemical weapons, and is rebuilding the facilities used to make more of those weapons.

I understand I'm running against a person who is so anxious to become president, he will do whatever it takes.

I am comfortable knowing that I put my heart and soul into the presidency.