I think it does suggest that the American people really do want to listen to somebody who actually has some solutions, some answers, and gives them some hope.

The reason that minorities and women dont have a better shot at getting elected to the Senate or to statewide office is because the campaign finance rules are so skewed as to make it very difficult for non-traditional candidates to raise the money necessary to get elected.

There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, just permanent interests.

I think its time to get a reapportionment process that frankly takes out the incumbency protection and the raw politics of the process.

New Zealand, by the way, where I was ambassador, has had two women prime ministers - one from either party.

Illinois has less than a 12 percent black population and I won with 55 percent of the vote.

I think Americans want to believe in this country again.