It's the uncertainty, the challenge and the willingness to put it all on the line that draws a lot of people to climb mountains. That can also apply to a lot of other challenges in life, whether it's running for office, starting a family, going to grad school or taking all of your cash and assets and starting a business.

Political differences will always generate a healthy debate, but over time the dialogue has become more hateful and at times violent.

Genuine dialogue, not rhetorical bomb-throwing, leads to progress.

We really don't have a policy [on climate change]. There's a lot of rhetoric and not a lot of action.

Climbing has worked for me in a number of ways on Capitol Hill. I'm much more inclined to look at what people do, as opposed to what they say. Also, it's about working together - we're all on the rope together, and you don't get to cut the rope if you're not getting along with someone.

Truth be told, I'm much more comfortable in a pair of hiking boots or with a rack of climbing gear than in front of a laptop.

There is no question that we must do more to secure our borders - but how we go about securing them is also important.