Remember the words of Chairman Mao: 'It's always darkest before it's totally black.'.

I have a fundamental belief in the goodness and strength of the American worker. And the American worker is the most productive, the most innovative. America is still the greatest producer, exporter and importer. I have a fundamental belief in the United States of America. And I still believe, under the right leadership, our best days are ahead of us.

Being chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee is like being a mosquito in a nudist colony.

I am confident, with the leadership and the backing of the American people, President Obama will turn this country around.

But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations.

The majority of [the troops in Iraq] is that feel they're doing the right thing and their parents who have also made sacrifices, generally speaking, and their proud of the services of their sons and daughters.

I observed a thousand acts of courage, compassion and love [as a POW] and I will always treasure that memory above all others.