I know it's going to be the private sector that leads this country out of the current economic times we're in. You can spend your money better than the government can spend your money.

I think the key anecdote in the book is when Colin [Powell] and I were discussing Iraq. Colin was upstairs in the Treaty Room, in the residence. And he talks about his concerns about the use of military in Iraq. And I said I felt the same concerns, but it might be that we have to use it. In which case, he said, "I support you."

We expect the states to show us whether or not we're achieving simple objectives-like literacy, literacy in math, the ability to read and write.

I'm mindful in a free society that people can worship if they want to or not. You're equally an American if you choose to worship an almighty and if you choose not to.

There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment and expose the pretensions of tyrants and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant. And that is the force of human freedom.

One of my proudest moments is I didn't sell my soul for the sake of popularity.

I feel a sense of obligation to our troops and their families because of the decisions that I made. So I'm involved with veterans.