The arts are not a frill. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature, and help to shape our identity. What is there that can transcend deep difference and stubborn divisions? The arts. They have a wonderful universality. Art has the potential to unify. It can speak in many languages without a translator. The arts do not discriminate. The arts lift us up.

In other times, I could stand here and give this kind of exposition on the beliefs of the Democratic Party and that would be enough. But today that is not enough. People want more.

...for the system to be credible, people actually have to be deported at the end of the process.

What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that government should do everything and the idea, the belief, that government ought to do nothing. Strike a balance.

A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation.

I have faith in young people because I know the strongest emotions which prevail are those of love and caring and belief and tolerance.

I have confidence that we can form this kind of national community.