But when others suggested that the poor should not simply be the objects of these programs but also the subjects - that they should be actively involved in shaping the programs, making decisions about how to spend the money etc. - some of the previous supporters reconsidered.

Particularly marijuana, I think is a great hypocrisy. I think frankly it contributes to a good deal of the sense of unfairness you have among younger people who are told they shouldn't do this because it’s got all these negative effects, but then older people are engaging in all kinds of things that probably have a greater impact on people.

We all have the right to call each other names. Rudeness is a deeply held constitutional value.

I have this fear that one day there's going to be a fire in the Senate and there are only going to be 57 senators there and they’ll all die because they won't have 60 votes to allow themselves to leave the building.

It seems to me that politicians ought to use the same words as other people.

A leader can`t move a country that`s not ready. You can`t make the waves, but when you see them coming, you can help direct them.

I will tell you, I'm a lousy cook, but I think I'm a pretty good judge of a good meal.