We've got a lot of down-ballot candidates that are also being lifted up by this campaign [for Presidency in 2016]. If we don't take a stand at some point and begin to stand our ground, we are never going to begin to move forward. We've got to do that.

I am honored to have Ajamu Baraka as a running mate. I think he brings enormous credibility in the disenfranchised communities, not just African American but Latino, Asian American and Native American. He is a recognized advocate for racial justice, economic justice and human rights, and I think this conversation is only just begun. It is very important.

The specific trigger for me was when the President [Barack Obama] put Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block. Why I got into the race - it just seemed unconscionable that the Democrats were leading the charge.

I think, as a white person, I do not want to speak for a black person.

While the President [Barack Obama] did a good thing when he said he personally supported equal marriage, he then quickly backed away and said that he wasn't going to do anything about it - that it was a state matter, and that he wasn't going to interfere, as opposed to being than being a real advocate for equality across the board in marriage. He also, I think two weeks prior to that statement, refused to sign an executive order to establish equal rights in the workplace for the LGBT community.

My support is particularly Bernie Sanders supporters but that's drawn many [Donald] Trump supporters to start with.

You have the Republican establishment that is moving into Hillary's [Clinton] camp. What's happening in this election is sort of proof of principle.