Colin Powell

I always like to take my time and examine the two candidates, see not only the two candidates but the policies they will bring in, the people they will bring in, who they might appoint to the Supreme Court, and look at the whole range of issues before making a decision. ”

Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families. ”

Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age. ”

90 percent of my time is spent on 10 percent of the world. ”

Trump is a national disgrace and an international pariah. ”

The United States is not stingy. We are the greatest contributor to international relief efforts in the world. ”

We all hoped in 2001 that we could put in place an Afghan government under President Karzai that would be able to control the country, make sure al-Qaeda didn't come back, and make sure the Taliban wasn't resurging. It didn't work out. ”

Diplomacy is listening to what the other guy needs. Preserving your own position, but listening to the other guy. You have to develop relationships with other people so when the tough times come, you can work together. ”

Russia isn't going to start a war. They can't afford it. I think Mr. Putin can be dealt with if we stop screaming at him. You can work with the guy. You just have to know who he is. ”

Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard. ”