I do not believe being gay or lesbian is a choice.

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

Now we're in the midst of not just advocating for change, not just calling for change - we're doing the grinding, sometimes frustrating work of delivering change - inch by inch, day by day.

America must always lead on the world stage. If we don't, no one else will. The military that you have joined is, and always will be, the backbone of that leadership. But U.S. military action cannot be the only - or even primary - component of our leadership in every instance. Just because we have the best hammer does not mean that every problem is a nail.

I'm never surprised by controversies that are whipped up in Washington.

My little girls can break my heart. They can make me cry just looking at them eating their string beans.

The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.