If we were to have a presidential election in Europe it would be an event that would spark a huge interest in people from Lisbon to Helsinki, just like national elections. And it would create a completely different political setting in Europe.

Politics means competition, especially in senior positions. If you don't know that, you're not especially suited to politics.

If you are prepared to run for public office, you also have to be willing to accept a debate about you.

Germany has always stood for an E.U. of the 27 countries. But in light of Britain's continued resistance to further integration steps, as we saw with the fiscal pact, there are limits to my optimism in this regard. It's quite possible that we will have to create the new institutions for the euro zone first.

My whole life has always been about looking for that person that money can't buy in that they've got a bee in their bonnet.

Money, celebrity and power can be very intoxicating.

No one will remember that President Obama supported the Arab Spring if it eventually fails and the region collapses back into the political Dark Ages. If we actively engage these movements with advice, with money, and, when necessary, with military force, then we get a vote in how it all turns out.

Artists usually don't make all that much money, and they often keep their artistic hobby despite the money rather than due to it.