There's one advantage in having been around as long as I have. Everybody in the Senate knows me, and - I'm going to say something presumptuous, to repeat myself - I think most respect me.

The reason I talk so much about the middle class is it's the glue that holds America together. It really is. And we don't speak enough to their legitimate concerns.

We must rekindle the fire of idealism in our society, for nothing suffocates the promise of America more than unbounded cynicism and indifference.

My recollection is - and I'd have to confirm this - but I don't recall paying any money to go to law school.

I kept trying to tell people that just because I was young didn't mean I could speak for all young people.

I believe health care is a basic right. If education - you're entitled to an education, why wouldn't you be entitled to adequate health care? Period.

And since our country's founding, we've tried to keep government's heavy hand out of our personal lives, while ensuring that we do the most important thing, which is to protect those who cannot protect themselves.