Starting in the third grade, my dad had me read the 'Denver Post.' I had to discuss two articles with him before dinner, and we would also watch '60 Minutes' together.

My dad was a voracious news consumer. I remember just sitting with my family all the time. I would sit on his lap and read the paper with him. He would read it to me.

My dad got me hooked on the news. That was a good thing.

I respect all women who came before me to blaze trails into the workplace for us.

On election night 2000, I had never met then-Governor Bush, though I'd supported him for years. I believed he would be a strong, optimistic and gracious president with solid conservative principles and a big heart.

One time, on Marine One, the president asked me my opinion. I had a flashback to being at the kitchen table with my dad. That dominant male figure set me up for being confident to express myself with precision and persuasion.