We've got to stand up for ourselves. That is, draw some lines, make it clear that after a while we're not going to get bullied or pushed around because I think there's some in China who are tempted to try to push the United States around. They want to bully us.

I really think it's extremely important for Americans to better understand China. And by better, I mean don't just read their lines. You've got to dig down to find out what's going on, and come over, see China.

Fundamentally, legislation that is historic, that is comprehensive, that has a large number of senators supporting it is more durable.

The Social Security trust fund is in pretty good shape today and we should not embark upon risky, dangerous schemes which will, in fact, undermine Social Security, such as privatization.

Sequestration is leverage that should not be given up easily.

Judge Roberts has assured me personally that he has a healthy respect for precedent and the hard-won rights of Americans.

If I were the president, I would be very concerned... and I would do what was reasonably necessary to find a way to get my people confirmed.