American politics used to be an amateur sport. But somewhere along the way, we handed over to professionals all the things people used to do for free.

But if you're going to go out on a military unit, you've got to allow yourself to be under the control of the commander because you really could put the troops in danger.

For sure, the American people have access to more information now than any other people who have ever lived on earth. And I think we do a pretty good job of sorting out what's important.

I can't think of any other job in journalism where the newsmakers come to you.

I think if you're a competent actor with a good imagination, and if it's on the page, it makes your job a lot easier.

As human beings, we are the only organisms that create for the sheer stupid pleasure of doing so. Whether it's laying out a garden, composing a new tune on the piano, writing a bit of poetry, manipulating a digital photo, redecorating a room, or inventing a new chili recipe - we are happiest when we are creating.

I've always been an artist who's about being real and about telling the truth and making music with integrity and talking about something.

I always say I want creative control. A lot of people don't think about that. And that's what every artist should think of - being creative and not just a puppet.