We need leadership, and we need it now.

What I've really learned over time is that optimism is a very, very important part of leadership.

I think it is important for people who are given leadership roles to assume that role immediately.

But I think Steve's main contribution besides just the pure leadership is his passion for excellence. He's a perfectionist. Good enough isn't good enough. And also his creative spirit. You know he really, really wants to do something great.

I also know that there have been many times in our history when the proximity of an election has induced exactly the kind of leadership and consensus-building that produce progress in our democracy.