I loved what I did. I could've been secretary of state for ever.

Obviously Iran is a very large problem. It's hard to decide what the number one issue [is], but that is a very threatening problem.

And so I think that the idea of America working with other countries to solve problems is good for us, and it is part of digging us out of the “my way or the highway” approach that was evident in the previous eight years.

China is in its own category - too big to ignore, too repressive to embrace, difficult to influence, and very, very proud.

It is an unfortunate fact that in many parts of the world women are considered property. An awful lot of injustice is obviously due to that; not just women's status in the home, but all kinds of laws that are even more discriminating.

I am by nature a worried optimist.

I think the hardest part [is] the priorities. There are an awful lot of things to do [being Secretary of State].