I don't worry about long-term history. I won't be around to read it.

Through adoption, Americans can forever change not only a child's life but also their own.

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."

It is written that adversity introduces us to ourselves.

America is addicted to oil...We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We will also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn but from wood chips and stalks or switch grass.

Not over my dead body will they raise your taxes.

I'm uncomfortable trying to rush change of perception, except to the extent that I'm going to write a book.