Tom Vilsack actually said...

"Today, our country and the Department of Agriculture again face historic challenges."

"The Department of Agriculture was founded by President Lincoln as 'The People's Department.'"

"The last Iowan asked to serve as Secretary of Agriculture was Henry Wallace. He served with extraordinary distinction during a period of historic challenge."

"It is a great honor and privilege to be nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to lead the Department of Agriculture at this crucial time."