Race Relations.

The thing about race relations, is that no one is wrong. A white person should not be persecuted or villified for things their unenlightened, intolerant ancestors believed and did.
But by the same token, a white person will never understand what it's like to grow up, from birth, from childhood to adulthood, being picked on, insulted, abused, prejudiced against or even injured or killed just for something as simple as the color of their skin.

Solid.

This team is so good, so underrated, so solid. From Coach Popovich who deserves to be up there with the likes of Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, and Larry Brown. To the likes of Tim Duncan, who has successfully carried on the San Antonio tradition of succeeding without ego, handed down by The Admiral David Robinson. To Tony Parker's incredible speed, flash, and durability. To Manu Ginobli's yeoman-like efforts night in and night out. To the team and organization's quiet comradery. This team is straight old-school, straight fundamentals, straight solid as a rock.

Leadership, Despite an Election Year.

I've been going through an evolution on this issue. I've always been adamant that-- gay and lesbian-- Americans should be treated fairly and equally. And that's why in addition to everything we've done in this administration, rolling back Don't Ask, Don't Tell-- so that-- you know, outstanding Americans can serve our country. Whether it's no longer defending the Defense Against Marriage Act, which-- tried to federalize-- what is historically been state law.
I've stood on the side of broader equality for-- the L.G.B.T. community. And I had hesitated on gay marriage-- in part, because I thought civil unions would be sufficient. That that was something that would give people hospital visitation rights and-- other-- elements that we take for granted. And-- I was sensitive to the fact that-- for a lot of people, you know, the-- the word marriage was something that evokes very powerful traditions, religious beliefs, and so forth.
But I have to tell you that over the course of-- several years, as I talk to friends and family and neighbors. When I think about-- members of my own staff who are incredibly committed, in monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together. When I think about-- those soldiers or airmen or marines or-- sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf-- and yet, feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask, Don't Tell is gone, because-- they're not able to-- commit themselves in a marriage.
At a certain point, I've just concluded that-- for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that-- I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.

The Black Mamba.

Let us never forget who brought about this nickname.