I always assume that democracy is the only good form of government, quite frankly, and democracy is always to be preferred

I believe that detente was having almost the opposite effect of what was intended. What was intended was to sort of end the contest for power and to stop Soviet expansion, especially by military means and the military build-up, the military contest

And I think detente had manifestly failed, and that the pursuit of it was encouraging Soviet expansion and rendering the world more dangerous, and especially rendering the Western world in greater peril.

The real point is that totalitarian regimes have claimed jurisdiction over the whole person, and the whole society, and they don't at all believe that we should give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's.

A government is not legitimate merely because it exists.

And I have no doubt that the American people generally believe the world is safer, and that we are safer, when we are stronger

Power ... is not an end in itself, but is an instrument that must be used toward an end.