I'm optimistic about the future. I'm excited about our prospects as a nation. I want to see peace. I want to see growing peace in America. It's our objective.

I will get America working again and see rising take-home pay again.

It was absolutely critical to renew the Bush tax cuts. Letting them expire would result in a massive tax increase that would retard economic growth.

Frankly if I had paid more than are legally due I don't think I'd be qualified to become president.

No mandatory prison term for employers who hire illegals.

We reserve our deepest respect and admiration for those who volunteer for service and give their lives to help keep our nation secure.

The TARP program was nevertheless necessary to keep banks from collapsing in a cascade of failures.