From Part V of SCOTUSBlog’s interview with the SG:

“I happened to be here during a period of real historical importance. And it was my responsibility to lead the representation of the United States in these matters of real historical importance. And, therefore I was able to participate in history, in its making, and have some influence—you know, time will only tell what that was—but have some influence in history going down one path versus another. And . . . that’s an awesome responsibility. And, it’s one that fills me with a sense of very deep gratitude: that I was lucky enough to be here during this time, doing that work[;] . . . that’s really pretty amazing.”