What I've said to [my team] is, "Look, we ran our leg of the race and we did a darn good job."

Well, Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets.

I actually think, when you're young, ambitions are somewhat common - you want to prove yourself. It may grow out of different life experiences. You may want to prove that you are worthy of the admiration of the demanding father. You may want to prove that you are worthy of the love of an absent father.

The government has to treat all citizens equally. I am a strong supporter not of a weak version of civil unions, but of a strong version, in which the rights that are conferred at the federal level to persons who are part of the same-sex union are compatible. When it comes to federal rights, the over 1,100 rights that right now are not being given to same-sex couples, I think that's unacceptable.

I don't think [pot] is more dangerous than alcohol.

There are some exceptions: Chicago, my hometown, in particular. But overall in the country this is a much safer place than it used to be.

Buy health insurance, or go to jail.