"After I left the White House, I kept a foothold in the business of American politics as a talk-show host, analyst, commentator, speechmaker, and occasional writer. I was no longer a practitioner, but I was still a partisan, a Democrat, a blue-stater through and through."

"It never occurred to me that I wouldn't go to college and have a career - as well as a family - of my own. Both my parents, but especially my mother, encouraged me and led me to believe that it was possible."

"Barack Obama is the most famous living person in the history of the world."

"Part of Obama's persona is self-reliance. He's calm he's cool he's self-possessed. In many ways, he has tried to define himself in opposition to Clinton's sometimes needy, often undisciplined, emotionalism."

"A mindful spirit recognizes that the canvas of tomorrow is painted with the actions of today."

"Hope is the best possession. None are completely wretched but those who are without hope. Few are reduced so low as that."

"I love my daddy. My daddy's everything. I hope I can find a man that will treat me as good as my dad."

"Marriage is the death of hope."