3:50 pm ET

• I reluctantly accept the reality that Bill Clinton is a huge factor in this presidential race and has a bond with the American people I never will.
• I know voters have no idea what programs I would pursue as president starting in January and/but I have no plans to be any more specific before Election Day.
• I resent all the criticism I get during challenging periods, and often am goaded into defensiveness.
• I am going to make it through the entire four-year cycle of my presidential campaign without firing anyone of any significance, or even shaking up responsibilities.
• I let my campaign constantly try to drive the news cycle by taking something my opponent said and brutally wrenching it from context — but find it outrageous when the other side does that to me.
• I care less about super PAC spending than I used to.
• I wish more political reporters were like Dan Balz.
• I have a lot better chance to get the deficit under control than my opponent does if the voters choose me in November.
• I would rather spend time with my wife and kids than do anything else.
• Except maybe play around on my iPad.