I wish we could have acted quicker on Detroit or other failing schools.

I just have a position that any child that's in a failing school should be able to get out, or be in a position to have that school fixed.

I care about the children of Detroit.

The parent knows instinctively that if they're working and setting an example for their child that means that child is more likely to be in school, more likely to stay out of trouble and more likely to complete their education.

Ive been in the legislative branch and now the executive branch and in each case I felt it was important we use our constitutional responsibilities to the fullest.

I have an old saying that the harder I work, the luckier I get.

I had made a decision early on that we were going to do the right things and that if they worked we were going to be very successful. And if for some reason they didn't, all the claims and the protestations and the excuses wouldn't make any difference.