We are Americans first, Americans last, and Americans always.

All interested parties must be willing to make significant sacrifices.

Some of us are more favorably disposed than others.

I cannot in good conscience vote in favor of tax cuts, irrespective of their size, or to which segment of the population they are targeted. Nor can I support any spending increases that are not related to improving our nation's defense from the obvious and serious threats facing us today.

But I'm still a work in progress. My mother calls me quite frequently with various critiques of my performance on TV and other public events. She's usually pretty severe with her comments.

We must win in Iraq. If we withdraw, there will be chaos, there will be genocide, and they will follow us home.

I guarantee you, as president of the United States, I know how to heal the wounds of war, I know how to deal with our adversaries, and I know how to deal with our friends.