Democracy fascinates me.

For decades the American people have had an addiction to oil and gas.

The temptations are great to simply retreat to the domain of private life and give up on our public problems.

Democracy makes us articulate our views, defend them, and refine them.

We cannot do everything in Africa, but doing nothing is not an option.

The U.S. should support the historic Gaza withdrawal as a first step toward a final settlement: a permanent Palestinian state in Gaza and nearly all of the West Bank.

I can assure you, public service is a stimulating, proud and lively enterprise. It is not just a way of life, it is a way to live fully.