We're not a homogeneous party, anymore than the Republicans are. But we are a party that I think has a plan to take us forward.

Actually, as president of the Conference of Mayors, we passed the Simpson-Bowles plan as a template, as a template, as a frame work for moving forward and the president has done the same.

Let me be clear - no one is above the law. Not a politician, not a priest, not a criminal, not a police officer. We are all accountable for our actions.

You can't just trot out a brown face or a Spanish surname and expect people are going to vote for your party or your candidate.

We stand with President Obama - love doesn't have a color, love doesn't care if you're gay or straight. Love doesn't discriminate.

You all know I love L.A., but tonight I really love L.A.

So laying people off is not something I do lightly, it's not something I relish.