I have been a long and strong supporter of civil rights in my whole career. I led the fight to get the voting rights act re-enacted. I have been a strong supporter of affirmative action. I believe in it strongly.

Democracy is interactive... Its a constant job of information, education, explanation, listening, and interactive communication.

I think when everything is finally considered, I'll have a lot of support -- strong support -- not only from labor unions but from working people.

I grew up in a household that was a labor household. My dad was a Teamster and a milk truck driver. My mother was a secretary. Neither of them got through high school. But they worked hard and they gave me very, very important opportunities to go to school, get a good education.

We are all so privileged to be citizens of America, and we all need to be engaged.

And the president should be doing more about education than saying, 'Lights, camera, action.'

Politics takes patience, time, listening and endless meetings.