The Iraqis needed to know that we weren't going to leave them alone. No matter how difficult it was, the United States would help them realize the universal desire to be free. Now of course, if you didn't believe in the universality of freedom, then of course, you wouldn't act. I care how they live and I believe a free Iraq will be transformative.

As the 20th century ended, there were around 120 democracies in the world - and I can assure you more are on the way.

My point is that she's [Laura Bush] busy and I'm busy, which makes our marriage not only interesting but exciting.

It's kind of the Washington, D.C., chattering class. They kind of talk amongst themselves.

But we cannot allow weapons of mass destruction to fall into the hands of terrorists. I will not allow that to happen.

Reinvention means you're kind of re-creating somebody. Well, I'm the same person, in terms of values. My priorities - my faith, my family, my friends, the values of personal responsibility and universality of freedom, and "to whom much is given, much is required" - haven't changed [since presidency].

If I answer questions every time you ask one, expectations would be high. And as you know, I like to keep expectations low.