I figured, I am a product of the opportunity the country provided, and I understand the challenges of the middle class and the lower class, and I clearly understand the dynamics at the highest levels of wealth within the country and across this global world. It became clear to me that I could represent the people of Texas - I could represent those people, that segment of society that I came from.

My assessment is that we have a crisis in national political leadership. When will America recognize the danger we face? When will the corrosive partisanship of American politics end and allow for a bipartisan solution to arguably the most dangerous threat our nation has faced in over 60 years?

The key thing is that I've led a life of service to country that gave me perspectives that most people don't get, having been involved in international and national decision-making and the accomplishment of national and international political and diplomatic and military objectives.

The Devil knows your name but calls you by your sin. God knows your sin but calls you by your name.

I believe the role of the Christian today is to show the world the love of Jesus. I know that may sound overly simplistic, but the Church has gotten too accustomed to judging. We need to get back to the basics of our walk with Jesus and let the overflow of that relationship translate into really caring for and loving people.

I figured, I am a product of the opportunity the country provided, and I understand the challenges of the middle class and the lower class, and I clearly understand the dynamics at the highest levels of wealth within the country and across this global world. It became clear to me that I could represent the people of Texas - I could represent those people, that segment of society that I came from.

I do think in the present state of both the Church and society we have a long way to go toward accepting and loving others that look or act differently than we do.