Let's say hypothetically, knowing what we know now about public policy, that we could close the education gap so that it was only a couple percentage points, and we could make sure that hiring barriers and educational barriers had been leveled down, and unemployment among African Americans right now instead of being double was only 10 percent higher than white unemployment - if we got to that point , America as a whole would be a lot richer.

It's important to make sure that governments have some checks on what they do, that people can oversee what's being done so the government doesn't abuse it.

The biggest deficit that we have in our society and in the world right now is an empathy deficit. We are in great need of people being able to stand in somebody else's shoes and see the world through their eyes.

I think that dealing with guns is one way to handle the violent-crime issues that we have in this country.

Insist that the first question each of us asks isn't "What's good for me?" but "What's good for the country my children will inherit?

Since taking office, I've made it clear that the United States was prepared to begin a new chapter of engagement with the Islamic Republic of Iran. We offered the Iranian government a clear choice. It could fulfill its international obligations and realize greater security, deeper economic and political integration with the world, and a better future for all Iranians. Or it could continue to flout its responsibilities and face even more pressure and isolation.

I want every math teacher to know math. I want every science teacher to have expertise in science. I want them to know how to inspire and engage young people.