One of the greatest talents of all is the talent to recognize and to develop talent in others.

Being kind doesn't mean being soft or a wuss. Kindness is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of confidence. If you have developed a reputation for kindness and consideration, then even the most unpleasant decisions will go down easier because everyone will understand why you are doing what you are doing. They will realize that your decision must be necessary, and is not arbitrary or without empathy. As the old saying puts it, 'To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.'

Leadership is all about people … and getting the most out of people.

I would sit and talk to any president who wishes to talk to me, but I'm not anxious to rule it in.

Let me just be candid: My party is full of racists. And the real reason a considerable portion of my party wants President Obama out of the White House has nothing to do with the content of his character, nothing to do with his competence as commander-in-chief and president, and everything to do with the color of his skin. And that's despicable.

Our model of politics is one that it is inclusive of all members of the society; all should be represented. That is the nature of our democracy.

What could be more important than equipping the next generation with the character and competence they need to become successful