I'm running for president because I've had enough of the oil barons, the status-quo apologists, the special-interest lobbyists running amok.

In 1988, as an unknown candidate, totally unknown, I won Iowa, came in second in New Hampshire, won South Dakota. I was ahead in every Super Tuesday state the day after South Dakota. The only problem was I didn't have enough money. I had a million dollars left, and Al Gore had three and Michael Dukakis had three and it was lights out.

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

I had the honor to meet Nelson Mandela, and I heard him explain his forgiveness of his captors of 27 years by saying hatred and bitterness is destructive - the power is in love and forgiveness.

I hope we can get back to what I call the kitchen table. Everyday issues that people are really worried about and focused on.

The people I'm honored to represent in Missouri and all over the country want leaders to address their kitchen table everyday problems.

I was raised in a working class family of Baptist faith, and I went to college on a church scholarship where early teachings were reinforced. Abortion was wrong, I was taught.