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.

I think a lot of people think I was born in a blue suit, on the David Brinkley show. And that isn't me. I am much more that kid who grew up in South St. Louis, in a very modest household, with a simple background with parents who didn't get through high school.

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 the '50s and '60s when Jack Kennedy was president. We would watch him on television. And our teachers always talked about the good things public servants could do. I thought maybe that's something I should do. So when I got out of law school, my wife, Jane, and I became precinct captains.

You know, when you're in public life, everything you do is out there. But I am proud to stand on my record.

Politics takes patience, time, listening and endless meetings.

I've always had good energy; I've always had good health.