Philadelphia, the foundation of freedom, liberty and democracy, I still believe in the idea of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

If you have a deep-seated need to be loved and admired every day, you shouldn't be in politics. You should go work at a pet store.

Politics in Philadelphia is a contact sport.

All eyes, all attention at the federal level, are on al Qaeda and the war on terror. Fact is, al Qaeda wouldn't last a day in parts of Philadelphia. I've got gangsters with .45s that would run them out of town.

I believe in the critical importance of participating in the political system - from voting to standing for election. It's both rewarding and necessary that men and women of good will and clear thinking engage in honest, open debate.

There is no reason for a civilian to have an automatic weapon.

I didn't run for mayor to be the caretaker of the status quo.