I want to be very clear - whenever it is possible to capture a suspected terrorist, it is the unqualified preference of the Administration to take custody of that individual so we can obtain information that is vital to the safety and security of the American people.

I have a reputation for speaking my mind. I like to think my candor and bluntness will give you the answers.

President Obama is determined that our foreign and national security policies not play into al-Qa'ida's strategy or its warped ideology. Al-Qa'ida seeks to terrorize us into retreating from the world stage. But President Obama has made it a priority to renew American leadership in the world, strengthening our alliances and deepening partnerships.

Poverty does not cause violence and terrorism. Lack of education does not cause terrorism.

Jihad is holy struggle, a legitimate tenet of Islam meaning to purify oneself or one's community.

The risk of just one terrorist with just one nuclear weapon is a risk we simply cannot afford to take.

You always, I think, debate with yourself about whether or not you made the right decision. And you have to then give the person that you’re working for - in my instance, the president - your best judgment based on your understanding of the facts, but also the calculus you use to make a determination about what’s the best way to go forward.