I think the American people can change Washington. But I think that it is not going to change, because somebody from on high directs that change.

We should foster a culture in which people's private religious beliefs, including atheists and agnostics, are respected.

I mean, if you think about - if you think about it, UPS and FedEx are doing just fine, right? No, they are. It's the Post Office that's always having problems.

The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy.

Peace depends upon compromise among peoples who must live together long after our speeches are over, long after our votes have been tallied.

I'd like to think that "President Obama believed deeply in this democracy and the American people."

But let me perfectly clear, because I know you'll hear the same old claims that rolling back these tax breaks means a massive tax increase on the American people: if your family earns less than $250,000 a year, you will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: not one single dime.