If the critics are right that I've made all my decisions based on polls, then I must not be very good at reading them.

Both President Kennedy and President Reagan were roundly criticized by parts of the foreign policy establishment that felt they were being weak by engaging our adversaries. So some of it is built into a political lexicon that makes you sound tougher if you don't talk to somebody, and rather, very loudly, wield a big stick.

In December, I agreed to extend the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans because it was the only way I could prevent a tax hike on middle-class Americans. But we cannot afford $1 trillion worth of tax cuts for every millionaire and billionaire in our society. We can't afford it. And I refuse to renew them again.

I will support Iraqis and Syrians fighting to reclaim their communities.

Granting such immunity undermines the constitutional protections Americans trust the Congress to protect.

I'm a big football fan, but I have to tell you if I had a son, I'd have to think long and hard before I let him play football.

We have a choice. We can shape our future, or let events shape it for us. And if we want to succeed, we can't fall back on the stale debates and old divides that won't move us forward.