I fully understand there is deep concern among the American people about whether or not we can win, the anxiety that a lot of our citizens feel.

If I didn't think we would succeed, I would pull our troops out. I cannot look mothers and dads in the eye... I can't ask this good Marine to go into harm's way, if I didn't believe, one, we're going to succeed, and two, it's necessary for…

If I didn't believe we could succeed, I wouldn't be there. I wouldn't put those kids there.

That, of course, is an objective, and that will be decided by future presidents and future governments of Iraq.

Others look at the violence they see each night on their television screens and they wonder how I can remain so optimistic about the prospects of success in Iraq.

You know, I can only tell you that I will make decisions on force levels based upon what the commanders on the ground say.

I don't believe he should resign.

No, I don't believe he should resign. I think he's done a fine job of not only conducting two battles, Afghanistan and Iraq, but also transforming our military.

That, of course, is an objective. And that will be decided by future presidents and future governments of Iraq.

I didn't want war. To assume I wanted war is just -- is just flat wrong.

The people of Tal Afar have shown that Iraqis do want peace and freedom. And no one should underestimate them.

I don't think we ever said -- at least I know I didn't say that there was a direct connection between September the 11th and Saddam Hussein.