Barack Obama

He will be a distinguished public servant and valuable addition to the United States District Court.

I am confident that we can advance that goal today and responsibly bring this war to an end.

We and our Allies are equally committed to supporting a sustainable Afghan economy.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as amended, I hereby order that:

You'll meet people who believe that looking after others is only for suckers.

I think Chicago performed magnificently.

Today we'll decide the next phase of the transition, the next milestone.

This is a truly international mission.

The Afghan government pledged to provide at least $500 million a year for the ANSF beginning in 2015, progressively increasing this amount over time and making it the second largest financial contributor for its own security forces.

Helping to fund the ANSF after ISAF finishes transitioning security responsibility to Afghan forces is the best way to protect the investment we all have made to strengthen Afghanistan in support of the Afghan people.

I think it's important to recognize that this issue is not a, quote, 'distraction.'

NATO has been the bedrock of common security, freedom, and prosperity for nearly 65 years.

We agreed that this transition to Afghan lead for security would begin in 2011 and that it would conclude in 2014.

Our Nation has always believed that anyone with a solid plan and a willingness to work hard can turn even an improbable idea into a successful business.

We are being transparent with Afghanistan's neighbors about our efforts.

We must continue to look beyond our borders—to open new markets for American exporters.

We honor their essential contributions to our health and safety.

During World Trade Week, we reaffirm the essential role exports play in creating jobs and growing our economy.

That's part of what America is about.

There are so many good people in the world.

America has always been a Nation of doers, makers, growers, and builders.

Chicago is a great place, and we look forward to having you back again.

I want to thank him for his extraordinary leadership.

Thank you for your outstanding leadership over these past 3 years.

We're going to keep at it.