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

I think Americans want to believe in this country again.

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

And frankly, being a woman I think gives me a slightly different take on a lot of the issues and on a lot of the solutions to the problems we face.

If I lose, I'm going to retire from politics, practice law, and wear bright leather pants.

I am determined to try to rebuild and renew this country in ways that will build community and level the playing field. To me, that means making certain that the fight to preserve our civil liberties is waged, making certain the fight against discrimination is waged, making certain that women have opportunity in this country.

I've always maintained that black people and women suffer from a presumption of incompetence. The burdens of proof are different. It just gets so tiresome.