Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.
It isn’t making mistakes that’s critical; it’s correcting them and getting on with the principal task.
Most US presidents since World War II have led military actions without a declaration of war by Congress, though most, if not all, have properly consulted and sought support from Congress. That is the wise thing to do.
Oh my goodness gracious, what you can buy off the Internet in terms of overhead photography. A trained ape can know an awful lot of what is going on in this world, just by punching on his mouse, for a relatively modest cost.
Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war.
Don’t divide the world into ‘them’ and ‘us.’ Avoid infatuation with or resentment of the press, the Congress, rivals, or opponents. Accept them as facts. They have their jobs and you have yours.
The problem is the people who tend to be the best organized are the most radical and the most vicious.
Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.
Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to ‘carry it off.’
I can’t tell you if the use of force in Iraq today will last five days, five weeks or five months, but it won’t last any longer than that.
Every country should be tired of going to war. War is a terrible thing. If I had been in Congress, as much as I would be inclined naturally to be supportive of a president, any president, I would have voted no, had the issue come to a vote.
When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President’s views.
If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.
First rule of politics: you can’t win unless you’re on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.
Imagine, a September 11 with weapons of mass destruction. It’s not 3,000. It’s tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children.
In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.
Learn to say ‘I don’t know.’ If used when appropriate, it will be often.
Make decisions about the President’s personal security. He can overrule you, but don’t ask him to be the one to counsel caution.
The United States, as all you know, did not come to Iraq for oil, not to occupy. We came here only to help.
General Boykin has requested that an inspector general review this matter. And I have indicated that if that’s his request, I think it’s appropriate.