Cynicism cripples our imagination and limits our ability to see faint possibilities amidst glaring problems.

Our platform calls for a balanced deficit reduction plan where the wealthy pay their fair share. And when your country is in a costly war, with our soldiers sacrificing abroad and our nation facing a debt crisis at home, being asked to pay your fair share isn't class warfare - it's patriotism.

One of the very hallmarks of our nation is the ideal of E Pluribus Unum. It is a concept that richly flows from the highest ideals of our nation.

In America we have a Declaration of Independence, but our history, our advancements, our global strength all point to an American declaration of interdependence.

No matter what, we always have the power to choose hope over despair, engagement over apathy, kindness over indifference, love over hate.

Give the respect you want to receive; embody the grace you hope to encounter; and help others with no expectations whatsoever.

I sit in the Senate, and see what Republicans are often advocating, it's those kind of tax loopholes for the richest of the rich or, frankly, for corporations and giving incentives for them to move jobs and opportunity overseas.