For as long as I can remember, I have been inspired by the achievement of our founding fathers. They set forth principles that have endured for than more two centuries. Those principles are as meaningful and relevant in each generation as the generation before. It would be a profound privilege for me to play a role in applying those principles to the questions and controversies we face today.

When I call myself an affirmative action baby, I'm talking about the essence of what affirmative action was when it started.

I have never, ever focused on the negative of things. I always look at the positive.

The challenges I have faced - among them material poverty, chronic illness, and being raised by a single mother - are not uncommon, but neither have they kept me from uncommon achievements.

Pretending to be a princess is fun, but it is definitely not a career.

I have never had to face anything that could overwhelm the native optimism and stubborn perseverance I was blessed with.

I firmly believe in the rule of law as the foundation for all of our basic rights.