The great tradition of America is one where people can worship the way they want to worship. And if they choose not to worship, they're just as patriotic as your neighbor. That is an essential part of why we are a great nation. If you're a Jew or a Christian or a Muslim, you're equally American.

One thing you had to learn [after the presidency] was that you no longer had the sense of responsibility that became ingrained in your system.

When you're writing about something that happened, it helps you transition to the present.

I realize I will never regain my anonymity but I can certainly give it a try. And it's a lot of fun to give it a try.

I don't know where [Osama bin Laden] is. You know, I just don't spend that much time on him, to be honest with you. I'm more worried about making sure that our soldiers are well supplied, that the strategy is clear, that the coalition is strong.

Ultimately, success is going to be up to the reformers, just like in Iraq. It's going to require Iraqis, the will of Iraqis to succeed. I understand that. And that's why our strategy is to give them the tools necessary to defend themselves and help them defend themselves; in this case right now mainly in Baghdad, but as well around the country.

You can't put democracy and freedom back into a box.