People don't expect government to solve all their problems. But they sense, deep in their bones, that with just a slight change in priorities, we can make sure that every child in America has a decent shot at life, and that the doors of opportunity remain open to all. They know we can do better.

If we are enforcing what should be the rules around Medicare and making sure the people are getting the bang for the buck, it's not going to be possible for insurance companies to simply pass on those costs to Medicare recipients, because ultimately it's Uncle Sam that's paying for those services anyway.

I do think that I have a better sense of how military action can result in unintended consequences.

Ultimately peer pressure can lead people to bully, but peer pressure can also say bullying is not acceptable.

No country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere.

I wouldn't advise [people] to be silent.

That is the true genius of America, a faith in the simple dreams of its people, the insistence on small miracles. That we can say what we think, write what we think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door.