I think others may look at the uniqueness of my candidacy, the fact that I'm an African-American, conservative tea party Republican, and somehow race injects itself into the conversation.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
The possibility of my presidential candidacy emerged spontaneously in public opinion polls. For my part, I noticed people's affection when I was doing work on the ground. I think the important thing is that my candidacy was born from citizens themselves, driven by the people and which the parties picked up favorably.
I'm constantly meeting people who said that they cast their first vote for me, or that they cut their eye teeth on the 1972 campaign, or that they didn't vote for me but admire my positions.
I've been through so many different political races.
Because of where I come from, I never thought I'd see in my life a black candidate running for President.
I am committed to ensure that our 2008 Republican presidential candidates forthrightly address issues of importance to the African-American community.
When I first ran for Congress in the 1990s, my background as an openly gay Asian was one of the focal points of the campaign, and, in fact, my opponent attacked me for it.
While I hold my own political views, it's important not to get too wrapped up in individual candidates and personalities, but instead to focus on the real issues.
I am not the candidate of Black America, although I am black and proud. I am not the candidate of the woman's movement of this country, although I am a woman and I am equally proud of that.
I like candidates who tell me something that is going to make a difference to me.
I want to be elected on my own ability. Only then do you have progress... People should not use race as a basis for labelling me.
No opposing quotes found.