On Trump
“I have offered my best advice ... I can tell you that — this is something I have told him — that this is a job of such magnitude that you can’t do it by yourself. You are enormously reliant on a team.”
On the Middle East
“I think the status quo is unsustainable — that it is dangerous for Israel, that it is bad for Palestinians, bad for the region and bad for America’s national security. ... Obviously it’s a volatile environment. What we’ve seen in the past is when sudden unilateral moves are made that speak to some of the core issues and sensitivities of either side, that can be explosive.”
On Russia
“I think it’s in America’s interest and the world’s interest that we have a constructive relationship with Russia. That’s been my approach throughout my presidency. “I think it’s fair to say that after President Putin came back into the presidency that an escalating anti-American rhetoric and an approach to global affairs that seem to be premised on the idea that whatever America’s trying to do must be bad for Russians ... that returned to an adversarial spirit that I think existed during the Cold War, that has made the relationship more difficult.”
On the media
“You’re not supposed to be sycophants, you’re supposed to be sceptical. ... And having you in this building has made this workplace better. It keeps us honest, makes us work harder.”
On race
“We’ve got more work to do on race. It is simply not true that things have gotten worse. They haven’t. Things are getting better. And I have more confidence on racial issues in the next generation than I do in our generation or the previous generation. I think kids are smarter about it.”
On Chelsea Manning
“Let’s be clear. Chelsea Manning has served a tough prison sentence. ... I know I feel very comfortable that justice has been served and that a message has still been sent.”
On his future
“I want to do some writing, I want to be quiet a little bit and not hear myself talk so darn much. I want to spend precious time with my girls.”
On speaking out
“There’s a difference between that normal functioning of politics and certain issues or certain moments where I think our core values may be at stake ... that would merit me speaking out.”
On the future of America
“Democracy is messy and doesn’t always work the way you want, doesn’t guarantee certain outcomes. But if you are engaged and involved, then there are a lot more good people than bad in this country. What we’ve also tried to teach them is resilience and tried to teach them hope and that the only thing that is the end of the world is the end of the world. (...) At my core, I think we’re going to be OK.”
