Diplomacy is like jazz: endless variations on a theme.

The upper hand is with those who are pushing regime change rather than those who are advocating more diplomacy.

The differences between the two sides are real but small, and they can be resolved by diplomatic means.

And if you do graze, wear a condom,

I still believe in the possibility of the United States, with all its will and all its strength, and I don't just mean military, persevering against any challenge. I still believe in that.

We're still behind. But we picked up some steam and we closed the gap.