I feel like I have to do the best job I can to basically say, "OK, I understand - you have every right to be angry, but anger is not a plan. Here's what I want to do, and that's why I hope you will support me, because I think it will actually improve the lives of Americans."

I think I've set some big goals. The American people haven't had a raise in 15 years. Getting incomes up is a huge goal. Now maybe it's not as exciting to some people, but it's a huge goal.

The arts are not a luxury. They are an integral part of our lives as individuals and as a nation.

I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president.

The American people are tired of liars and people who pretend to be something they're not.

Reconciling with an adversary that can be as brutal as the Taliban sounds distasteful, even unimaginable. And diplomacy would be easy if we only had to talk to our friends. But that is not how one makes peace.

I would love having the job of president because I know how to do it. I know what the country needs.