I believe our Presidents work hard and it's the loneliest job in the world.

I was born in segregated Birmingham, Alabama. I didn't have a white classmate till we moved to Denver.

We have had some bad incidents and there continue to be allegations of others which will be investigated; but overwhelmingly American forces there, putting their lives on the line every day, protecting Iraqis, helping to liberate them, that is appreciated by the Iraqi people and by the Prime Minister.

My mom was a teacher - I have the greatest respect for the profession - we need great teachers - not poor or mediocre ones.

The first Republican I knew was my father and he is still the Republican I most admire. He joined our party because the Democrats in Jim Crow Alabama of 1952 would not register him to vote. The Republicans did. My father has never forgotten that day, and neither have I.

We've been a country that's been fortunate to be protected by two oceans, to not have serious attacks on our territory for most of our history. And we were unfortunately reminded in a very devastating way of our vulnerability.

Differences can be a strength.