That means setting examples of excellence in our own lives.

Turn the page on the failed policies of the past.

Life doesn't count for much unless you're willing to do your small part to leave our children – all of our children – a better world.

It's time to stop cutting back the safety net for working people while we protect golden parachutes for the well-off.

Social Security is strong, but as more baby boomers retire, the long-term cash-flow needs to be addressed.

I will fight every day to extend the promise of a retirement that is dignified and secure.

That's why I think the best way forward is to first look to adjust the cap on the payroll tax so that people like me pay a little bit more and people in need are protected.

If we keep that promise today, we're not just valuing work and our workers, we'll be keeping our businesses and our economy strong for the next generation.

Privatizing Social Security was a bad idea when George W. Bush proposed it.

We're not going to help folks reach a secure retirement unless we encourage savings.

This means that 97% of Americans will see absolutely no change in their taxes under my plan - 97%.

It's disappointing that Senator McCain and his campaign decided to decline this proposal.

A secure retirement is no longer a guarantee for the middle class.

If you work hard and play by the rules, then you've earned your pension.

I have known Tim Russert since I first spoke at the convention in 2004. He's somebody who, over time, I came to consider not only a journalist, but a friend. There wasn't a better interviewer in television, not a more thoughtful analyst of…

I've known Tim Russert since I first spoke at the convention in 2004. He's somebody who, over time, I came to consider not only a journalist but a friend. There wasn't a better interviewer in television. Not a more thoughtful analyst of…

But I also think these folks should lay off my wife.

We're going to continue our dialogue in a few moments, but I want to start by talking a little bit about my plan to provide meaningful tax relief for working people.