I think on this issue more than any other we're going to see sort of a bipartisan longing to get something done, and hopefully you're not going to find the fisticuffs that you would find on lots of other issues. I think you'll be able to glean a sense of progress without us revealing the specifics.

The highest priority you can have is education.

Let me say this, to all of the chattering class that so much focuses on those little tiny, yes, porky amendments - the American people really don't care.

I don't think we should be putting first-time drug offenders in jail for five years. It's a waste of resources.

When a nominee doesn't get 60 votes, you shouldn't change the rules, you should change the nominee.

Do not let arguments of expediency persuade you. That is the slow road to oblivion. That is the tortured path to undoing step by step, bit by bit, as the river creates a canyon, the way of life that we love.

The bottom line is very simple. You negotiate on this, they will up the ante for the debt ceiling.