On the spectrum of successful politicians, I'm not introverted the way some have been.

The true test of the American ideal is whether we're able to recognize our failings and then rise together to meet the challenges of our time. Whether we allow ourselves to be shaped by events and history, or whether we act to shape them. Whether chance of birth or circumstance decides life's big winners and losers, or whether we build a community where, at the very least, everyone has a chance to work hard, get ahead, and reach their dreams.

If I were German and I had a vote, I might support Angela Merkel.

The young are going to be the messengers of this continued strengthening of the diversity in America.

My view is that discrimination against anyone at the ballot box is wrong and should have the full enforcement of the federal government.

Winston Churchill used to say that we, Americans, try every other option before we finally do the right thing. After everything else is exhausted we eventually do the right thing and I think that's true for Congress as well. And it's important for Americans to remember that politics has always been messy.

I don't think we should ever accept the idea that someone can come along and take away our safety and our freedom.