We can't afford as a nation - not because of money but because of our social fabric - to have large numbers of people who are not working.

Sometimes I'll trust my gut more than my head. Logical information might lead me in one direction and my feelings in another. Whereas I would have followed my head ten years ago, now I'm as likely or more likely to go with my gut feeling. It's ironic - you'd think the opposite would be true as you move to the top but it's not.

The government is fully capable of delivering services. Even complex services.

In fairy tales, the children are saved by caring adults. We need more caring adults in the lives of our children.

I'll be one of the spokespeople, one of the people who sells the Administration's plans.

I bring other constituencies - I also have ties to minority communities. And obviously, to the world of world-class research universities. So I can bring some constituencies that I'm used to working with.

I compensate for big risks by always doing my homework and being well-prepared. I can take on larger risks by reducing the overall risk.