"The true history of my administration will be written 50 years from now, and you and I will not be around to see it."

"Today we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character."

"People make suggestions on what to say all the time. I'll give you an example I don't read what's handed to me. People say, 'Here, here's your speech, or here's an idea for a speech.' They're changed. Trust me."

"Americans are rising to the tasks of history, and they expect the same of us."

"I think Chris Rock at the Oscars was a great example. I thought that was intellectually hilarious. The Gap starts a war with Banana Republic... That to me was funny."

"There are no morals in politics there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel."

"Rise early, act with intent, and let your accomplishments speak with silent authority. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"I think the American people have become more reliant upon government and less reliant upon themselves and that they now tend to put security ahead of freedom, but I think freedom is the most important aspect of our lives."