But you see, a rich country like America can perhaps afford to be stupid.

One very difficult decision was deciding to vote against the appropriations bill for the war. I had consistently said that I wanted to make sure our troops got the adequate and training in the war effort, despite the fact that I opposed the war at the point that the president decided to double down and send more troops. I had to vote against funding as a way of bringing it back to the table. That was a difficult decision for me.

A relentless focus on the outward markers of success can lead to complacency. It can make you lazy.

you can't just heely away from your problems forever

I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I’m asking you to believe in yours.

A man who took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice.

Just because Iran and Syria may recognize Assad's weaknesses doesn't necessarily mean that Assad recognizes his weaknesses.