We can no longer take our own way of life for granted - we know that it may be challenged. And we know this, too - and know it ever more deeply - we know that freedom and democracy are not just big words mouthed by orators but the rain and the wind and the sun, the air and the light by which we breathe and live.

A man with a mouth like a mastiff, a brow like a mountain, and eyes like burning antracite - that was Dan'l Webster in his prime.

Trouble with women. Can't do any art and be married if you're in love with your wife.

We cannot be a house divided - divided in will, divided in interest, divided in soul. We cannot be a house divided and live.

I think it is very difficult today to have a reasoned public discourse on any controversial subject. Certainly, election years present a complicating factor.

I'm more into human nature than politics. But they're intertwined. Obviously, I live in civilization, so politics are part of my life.

As the Obama administration negotiates with the Karzai government and with Pakistan, we may be tempted to make commitments that, in the name of nation-building, restrict our ability to fight terrorists. If we must involve the Afghan government in every night raid, our operations will slow and targets will escape.

I'm one of those guys who believes in next to zero government. They just screw everything up.