While democracy in the long run is the most stable form of government, in the short run, it is among the most fragile.

• As strong as the United States is, we can't deal with terrorism alone.
• The best book, like the best speech, will do it all - make us laugh, think, cry and cheer - preferably in that order.
• Really, I have to laugh because there was a whole set of stories that made me sound like the Dragon Lady, you know, 'tough this and tough that.' Then there is this business about 'gooey.' The bottom line is I am a pragmatic idealist.
• Well I do think, when there are more women, that the tone of the conversation changes, and also the goals of the conversation change. But it doesn't mean that the whole world would be a lot better if it were totally run by women. If you think that, you've forgotten high school.
• We will not be intimidated or pushed off the world stage by people who do not like what we stand for, and that is, freedom, democracy and the fight against disease, poverty and terrorism.
• The magic of America is that we're a free and open society with a mixed population. Part of our security is our freedom.
• No matter what message you are about to deliver somewhere, whether it is holding out a hand of friendship, or making clear that you disapprove of something, is the fact that the person sitting across the table is a human being, so the goal is to always establish common ground.
• If we have to use force, it is because we are America. We are the indispensable nation. We stand tall. We see further into the future.
• While democracy in the long run is the most stable form of government, in the short run, it is among the most fragile.
• I am often asked if, when I was secretary, I had problems with foreign men. That is not who I had problems with, because I arrived in a very large plane that said United States of America. I had more problems with the men in our own government.