The challenge for any government is how do you do two things at the same time. How do you put money forward for things like the payroll tax holiday, for things like getting a jump-start on infrastructure, for building schools, and make the decisions for long-term deficit reduction.

I think that for the next short period of time, our No. 1 priority is Congress needs to do its work and extend the payroll tax cut.

From the very beginning the president [of USA] had two very important principles that had to be reconciled. One principle is that every woman should have the right to all forms of preventive health care, including contraception. The other is that we need to respect the religious liberties which are the cornerstone of American life.

If you don't define the problem you'll never reach a painful solution.

I think there's no higher calling in terms of a career than public service, which is a chance to make a difference in people's lives and improve the world.

I can't speak to the differences within the Catholic Church.

I think there is a shared sense of urgency in Washington on fiscal issues.