The war in Iraq is a rare opportunity to move toward an historic period of cooperation. Out of these troubled times a new world order can emerge.

Freedom is the direction of history, because freedom is the permanent hope of humanity.

Presidents, whether things are good or bad, get the blame. I understand that.

So long as I'm the president, my measure of success is victory -- and success.

What you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort; to defend needed reforms against easy attacks; to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor. I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character.

I will never relent in defending America - whatever it takes.

The important question is, how many hands have I shaked?