We have a long tradition in this state of caring for our neighbors - it is truly an Iowa value.

I think, certainly, Barack Obama has created an opportunity for America to understand that diversity is a blessing, diversity is a strength. It isn't necessarily something to be concerned about. And I think, at the end of the day, we're going to learn that this country operates best when it celebrates and surrounds itself and appreciates diversity, and doesn't shun it.

And sometimes people don't realize that 90 percent of the persistent poverty counties are located in rural America.

I think a lot of people don't understand the makeup of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program population, of the food stamp population, 80 percent senior citizens, people with disabilities, children, and those who are actually in the work force working. The folks who are not - who are able-bodied, who are adults, who don't have dependents, there's a desire to make sure that they get to work and that they aren't basically gaming the system. But the reality is, they have a responsibility to either be involved in work or education, or they're limited in terms of their benefits.

The rise of childhood obesity has placed the health of an entire generation at risk.

What Republicans have done in my view is that they are systematically dismantling a sense of community in America.

We have a long tradition in this state of caring for our neighbors - it is truly an Iowa value.