Frankly, my fundamental beliefs have not changed.

I think the primary message to the world is that the United States is going to remain the strongest military power in the world.

I don't think there's any question that America is safer as a result of the bin Laden operation.

My father said I was perfectly suited for Washington because I've always worked around nuts.

I don't engage in hypotheticals.

The consequence could be that we would have an escalation that would take place that would not only involve many lives, but I think it could consume the Middle East in a confrontation and a conflict that we would regret.

I don't usually comment on columnists' ideas of what I'm thinking. That's a dangerous game to get into.