It's bad policy to speculate on what you'll do if a plan fails when you're trying to make a plan work.
My job is to try to advance American foreign policy, to try to advance the president's agenda on democracy and human rights.
Race is a constant factor in American life. Yet reacting to every incident,real or imagined, is crippling, tiring, and ultimately counterproductive.
The first step for a leader is to be right with yourself. Integrity is the basis of leadership.
What you know today can affect what you do tomorrow, but not what you did yesterday.
Education is of no value and talent is worthless - unless you have an unwavering aim. Never find yourself without a compass.
You cannot be on one hand dedicated to peace and on the other dedicated to violence. Those two things are irreconcilable.
Your passion may be hard to spot, so keep an open mind and keep searching.
I think America is still a bright, shining city on the hill - not because we're perfect but because we struggle in our imperfections every day.
It is a dangerous thing to ask why someone else has been given more. It is humbling - and indeed healthy - to ask why you have been given so much.
Self-esteem comes from achievements. Not from lax standards and false praise.
If I can look at your zip code and I can tell whether you're going to get a good education, we've got a real problem.
I don't believe for a minute anybody allowed people to suffer because they are African Americans.
We need to move beyond the idea that girls can be leaders and create the expectation that they should be leaders.
People may oppose you, but when they realize you can hurt them, they'll join your side.
Everyone wants Russia to be a prosperous, democratic state that is fully integrated.
Human beings are not perfect. Their institutions are not perfect, but they have to keep trying. And America has to help people keep trying.
I really wish that we had passed a comprehensive immigration bill because that would've really helped our country.
In America, with education and hard work, it really does not matter where you came from; it matters only where you are going.
To see an African-American elected president means that this country is really finally coming full circle from the birth defect of slavery.
I laugh almost everyday. I have a good sense of humor, so I'm always finding something funny.
There's no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service.
You can never ask others to do something you would not do. That is integrity.
I think the word of the United States has been as good as gold in its international dealings and its agreements.
This is the democratic process at work, What you're seeing with this process is the Iraqi people embracing American-style democracy.
I was born in segregated Birmingham, Alabama. I didn't have a white classmate till we moved to Denver.
Leading in a complex world means recognizing the simple things you can do to make things better.
I firmly believe you never should spend your time being the former anything.
Every good leader is part manager and every good manager is part leader.
And we believe that our policies toward Iraq simply are to protect the region and to protect Iraq's people and neighbors.
I've never really been a workaholic. I work very hard, but I also enjoy playing. I think it's important to have a balanced and well-rounded life.
You might not be able to control your circumstances but you can control your response to your circumstances.
Every life is worthy and every life is capable of greatness. We have an obligation to make sure that opportunity for greatness is there.
Message and policy are very much a part, you know, two parts of the same coin.
