Most people are bad with names. I have learned a trick: Make them laugh and they will never forget you.

Diplomacy should always be the first option, and every mission should have a clear, achievable objective that is in the interests of the United States.

It's a bit ridiculous to have people who have two years of experience handling an $83 billion budget.

I think it is an inborn talent - just luck. Some people can learn languages; some can throw a ball. Most people have something. My talent is drawing and painting.

A blue dog, you know, is the opposite of a yellow dog. And a yellow dog was somebody who was willing to follow his party even when he knew it was wrong.

I don't have much of a problem with interruptions. I keep a detailed record of paint and materials as a work on each painting. I can restart exactly where I left off.

Wax myrtle: The birds love this stuff.