Like it or not, we have to have a financial system that is healthy and functioning.

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.

I didn't set a red line, the world set a red line

I want to reduce America's deficit by cutting spending that we don't need but also by asking the wealthy to do a little bit more so that we can invest in things like research and technology that are the key to a 21st century economy.

We have come from a time of the large-scale, planned, Al Qaeda-style attacks, to the encouragement of lone wolves: Fort Hood, Chattanooga. To the encouragement of people to act on their own.

I will not stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are ... Not this time. Not now.

Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible