For too long, Democrats have been telling people what they want to hear. I'm going to tell you what I believe.

I very much believe in values-based leadership, and that the values that I believe in and try to govern by are transcendent values. They have nothing to do with race or even with political parties. Secondly, I think nothing substitutes for the power of the grassroots by showing them the courtesy of going to them where they are and inviting them to take part in the political process.

I’m planning to stay in politics now, but, you know, George Burns worked until he was 100. I don’t know. I don’t want to be a Senator until I’m honored.

Don't tell me words don't matter.

Mitt Romney talks a lot about all the things he's fixed. I can tell you that Massachusetts wasn't one of them. He's a fine fellow and a great salesman, but as governor he was more interested in having the job than doing it.

We're Americans. We shape our own future. Let's start by standing up for President Barack Obama.

It's a free country. I wish it weren't.