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

The most powerful political moments for me come when I feel like my actions are aligned with a certain truth. I can feel it. When I'm talking to a group and I'm saying something truthful, I can feel a power that comes out of those statements that is different than when I'm just being glib or clever.

The sort of seeing cruelty and callousness of that sort from young people is heartbreaking.

For we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it.

I look at some of the kids that I interact with, and they were born with so many disadvantages. And you could start off in your first interaction with them saying, "Unless they get a lot of compensatory help, they're not going to be able to compete; they're just so far behind, and they're wounded and they're hurt."

America is a country of strong families and strong values. My life's been blessed by both.

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