Anyone who knows anything about coming out knows that this is something you would never do for the support and a small check from a random organization.

It's one thing to answer to constituents. It's another thing to have professional disruptors show up at an event with the intent to derail so that you can't connect with your constituents.

I wasn't planning on becoming a politician. I was incredibly fulfilled in my role at PATH.

I think a lot of politicians want to focus on the things that make them qualified for the job; the truth is no one's ready for the job of member of Congress until you're there.

You can't lead a team and commit to something if you're constantly worried about your back falling out.

If you look at the practice of 'crisis management,' and maybe squint at it a little, you can make out in the corners of your vision the ghosts or the vestiges of a much older, but still thoroughly American, form of public life, one centered not on public opinion but on religion.

I grew up in Cuba under a strong, military, oppressive dictatorship. So as a teenager, I found myself involved in a revolution. I remember during that time, a young, charismatic leader rose up, talking about hope and change. His name was Fidel Castro.

A great team relies on its leaders and they have to make a difference at key moments.