"The actions that we take on the counterterrorism front, again, are to take actions against individuals where we believe that the intelligence base is so strong and the nature of the threat is so grave and serious, as well as imminent, that we have no recourse except to take this action that may involve a lethal strike."

"Poverty does not cause violence and terrorism. Lack of education does not cause terrorism."

"Why should a great and powerful nation like the United States allow its relationship with more than a billion Muslims around the world to be defined by the narrow hatred and nihilistic actions of an exceptionally small minority of Muslims?"

"We are in this business, whether it be intelligence or the government, to protect freedom, democracy and liberty, not to violate that."

"If I could create one job in the private sector by helping to grow a business, that would be one more than Congress has created in the last six months."

"About half my work in education is U.S. political reform around school districts and charter schools, and creating more room for entrepreneurial organizations to develop. And about half on technology, which I look at as a global platform."

"As a struggling actor, you're not looking for parts that define you; you're just looking for work."

"You better take advantage of the good cigars. You don't get much else in that job."