I have tremendous confidence in the ability of government institutions and the American people to do what is right to make sure that our democracy stays on the right track.

Well look, CIA is an agency that has to collect intelligence, do operations. We have to take risks and it's important that we take risks and that we know that we have the support of the government and we have the support of the American people in what we're doing.

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

Frankly, my fundamental beliefs have not changed.

The reason we've always had a civilian in that job [Secretary of Defence] is because we really believe that it is policymakers who ought to control the military and not have the military control the military.

The fundamental premise is that neither the United States or the international community is going to allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

My whole life has been dedicated to public service.