The difference today is that, in both parties, the very extreme elements control the nomination process.

The battle in American politics used to be for the middle. Now, it's all about the building and the intensity of support on the far left and far right wings of both parties. And we have forgotten about the people here in the middle.

In Cuba we have one party, but in the U.S. there is very little difference. Both parties are an expression of the ruling class.

I didn't work for Jimmy Carter all those years to go to cocktail parties. I was there as a political adviser, a short-order cook, to work on topical matters.

It's hard to look inside a person to answer a question about why anybody wants to be president. I suppose a combination of ambition, ego, and a real feeling that he could make a difference and could accomplish some things. All you ever had to do for Jimmy Carter was to tell him something was impossible, and he would usually do it.

I know a lot of people that had one cancer that are not alive today. I've had three. So my glass is much more than half full.