What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth.

I've been fighting with Acorn, alongside Acorn, on issues you care about, my entire career.

My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin. You know, if I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon.

The issue of climate change is one that we ignore at our own peril. There may still be disputes about exactly how much we're contributing to the warming of the earth's atmosphere and how much is naturally occurring, but what we can be scientifically certain of is that our continued use of fossil fuels is pushing us to a point of no return. And unless we free ourselves from a dependence on these fossil fuels and chart a new course on energy in this country, we are condemning future generations to global catastrophe.

We have to stand up for these issues when it's tough, and that's what I've done. I did it when I was in the state legislature, sponsoring the Illinois version of the DREAM Act, so that children who were brought here through no fault of their own are able to go to college, because we actually want well-educated kids in our country who are able to succeed and become part of this economy and part of the American dream.

In this new, hyper competitive age, none of us, none of us can afford to be complacent.

The United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.