No one wants to be a polarizer, but on the other hand, if you think you're doing right and you believe the decisions you make will lead to a better tomorrow, then they're worthy of defense.

You see, we'll never be able to compete in the 21st century unless we have an education system that doesn't quit on children, an education system that raises standards, an education that makes sure there's excellence in every classroom.

Our law enforcement must have every tool necessary to find and disrupt terrorists at home and abroad. That's the task of the 21st century.

If a person doesn't have the capacity that we all want that person to have, I suspect hope is in the far distant future, if at all.

The teachings of many faiths share much in common. And people of many faiths are united in our commitments to love our families, to protect our children, and to build a more peaceful world. In the coming year, let us resolve to seize opportunities to work together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. Through our combined efforts, we can end terrorism and rid our civilization of the damaging effects of hatred and intolerance, ultimately achieving a brighter future for all.

We have now reached a turning point in the struggle between freedom and terror.

I'm the commander -- see, I don't need to explain -- I do not need to explain why I say things. That's the interesting thing about being president.