Political differences will always generate a healthy debate, but over time the dialogue has become more hateful and at times violent.

Climbing has worked for me in a number of ways on Capitol Hill. I'm much more inclined to look at what people do, as opposed to what they say. Also, it's about working together - we're all on the rope together, and you don't get to cut the rope if you're not getting along with someone.

In a country as large and diverse as America, compromise is how we get things done. It isn't always pretty, but we have to find solutions to our problems that, at the end of the day, most people can live with.

Throughout my years of public service, I've listened to the voices of the gay and lesbian community, whether through whispered confidences or public declarations. I understand what it truly means to say that all people should be treated equally, and I'll always stand up for fair and equal treatment of gay and lesbian Americans.

We really don't have a policy [on climate change]. There's a lot of rhetoric and not a lot of action.

The balance between freedom and security is a delicate one.

Stem cells have the potential to be used to treat and better understand some of the world's most deadly and disabling diseases.