Because the union of a man and woman deserves an honored place in our society, I support the protection of marriage against activist judges. And I will continue to appoint federal judges who know the difference between personal opinion and the strict interpretation of the law.

History will prove me right. This is an exercise in folly.

I think we ought to raise the age at which juveniles can have a gun.

The illiteracy level of our children are appalling.

If our commanders on the ground say we need more troops, I will send them. But our commanders tell me they have the number of troops they need to do their job. Sending more Americans would undermine our strategy of encouraging Iraqis to take the lead in this fight. And sending more Americans would suggest that we intend to stay forever, when we are, in fact, working for the day when Iraq can defend itself and we can leave.

The most important job is not to be governor, or first lady in my case.

America has never been an empire. We may be the only great power in history that had the chance, and refused - preferring greatness to power and justice to glory.