The measurement in this race is not where you come from, it is "what do you fight for."

You don't value families if you force them to take up a collection to buy body armor for a son or daughter in the service.

For those of us who are fortunate to share an Irish ancestry, we take great pride in the contributions that Irish-Americans.

Think about this: terrorism, epidemics, poverty, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction-all challenges that know no borders-the reality is that climate change ranks right up there with every single one of them.

This fight against drilling in the Arctic Refuge is a fight about our principles. Its about standing up for our environment, our families and our future, and I wont give up this fight.

Middle class Americans don't ask for special favors, they just want basic fairness, and a President who fights for that ideal.

And now that the Greatest Generation is getting older, I think it is the responsibility of all Americans to make sure we do our part for America's seniors. You have earned the best of America -- and we need to make sure you get the protection and health care you deserve.