When I joined the ANC, I never thought I would be anything. In no way, did I say, 'One day I could be the president. I think I am good material for the presidency.' Not at all.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
When I was growing up, I was told you could be anything you want to be, but I didn't really believe that because you couldn't be president. Like, I knew that; we never had a black president.
I've used the prestige and influence of having been a president of the United States as effectively as possible. And secondly, I've still been able to carry out my commitments to peace and human rights and environmental quality and freedom and democracy and so forth.
I can tell you that I never aspired to be president. I always honour something that Commander Chavez told us: that while we were in these posts, we must be clothed in humility and understand that we are here to protect the man and woman of the streets.
I often have said that to be a college president, you need a thick skin, a good sense of humor, and nerves like sewer pipes.
I think I'd be a better president because I was in combat.
I've seen firsthand that being president doesn't change who you are. It reveals who you are.
To those of you who received honours, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you, too, can be president of the United States.
I prefer that people remember me as a president who made reforms rather than a president who did nothing.
I'm not a politician. I think that uniquely qualifies me to become president of the U.S.
I grew up believing that I could be the president of the United States. I was told I could be whatever I wanted.