Re: What is America's place in the world?

Description: Adams, on distinguishing between the American government and the American people.

Transcript: It isn’t so much America. We have to differentiate between America and the American government. But I think because this is arguably one of the most powerful . . . and for a period in our recent history, arguably the most powerful nation in the world, then it’s _________ that it uses that power and influence in a generous, and a gentle, and a mundane way and not . . . not . . . You know when I talk to many people in the U.S.A., including people in the government; and including the current president, President Bush; and President Clinton; and many, many of their advisors, that I think is the will of people here. That’s my notional view. I’m not an expert. I don’t profess to be an expert. But just . . . just my notional view is . . . is that America can be a force for great good in the world.

Recorded on: 10/8/07