The failure of leadership, the smallness of our politics... has stopped us from meeting these challenges.

In the face of war, you believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, you believe there can be hope.

Let us be the generation that reshapes our economy to compete in the digital age.

Let us be the generation that ends poverty in America.

Not just to hold an office, but to gather with you to transform a nation.

I might play a small part in building a better America.

Let us be the generation that finally frees America from the tyranny of oil.

Today we are called once more - and it is time for our generation to answer that call.

Divided, we are bound to fail.

I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change.

If you sense, as I sense, that the time is now... then I'm ready to take up the cause, and march with you, and work with you.

Let us begin this hard work together. Let us transform this nation.

Let us be the generation that finally tackles our health care crisis.

We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent.

In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?

We worship an awesome God in the blue states. And we don't like federal agents poking around in our libraries in the red states. We coach Little League in the blue states. And yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states.

The time for waiting in Iraq is over.

I'm ready. Let's go.