There are not many female role models to guide voters, and the tradition that a Southern woman's place is in the home still lingers in some quarters.

Any smart executive understands that to find the best talent she has to explore new territory that lies beyond familiar geography. That applies not only to gender, but also to race, religion, background and age.

When I ran for governor, was I ambitious? Yes. Anyone, male or female, who goes through the trials of a campaign must be ambitious.

Hugs are helpful, especially when women step out into a mostly male political world. Emotional support, at critical moments, enables women to stay in the race.

All money is a matter of belief.

I decided to put my money where my mouth was and make films that I believe in. So even if I failed, I failed on my terms.

Where there are friends there is wealth.

There are folks who we have a moral responsibility to help, who are going to cost the taxpayers lots of money in the future, so there's a strong argument for us to help them with current cash.