A politics that is not sensitive to the concerns and circumstances of people's lives, a politics that does not speak to and include people, is an intellectually arrogant politics that deserves to fail.

We can and must move U.S. politics forward by means of committed participation.

Above and beyond the question of how to grow the economy there is a legitimate concern about how to grow the quality of our lives.

There are forces within the Democratic Party who want us to sound like kinder, gentler Republicans.

When too many Americans don't vote or participate, some see apathy and despair. I see disappointment and even outrage. And I believe that out of this frustration can come hope and action.

I dare to imagine a country where every child I hold in my hands, are all God's children, regardless of the color of their skin, regardless of whether they're boy or girl, regardless of religion, regardless of rich or poor, that every child I hold in my hands, will have the same chance to reach her full potential or his full potential. That is the goodness of our country. That is the essence of the American dream.

The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power.