Barack Obama: “Our economy doesn't need another round of threats and brinkmanship.”

People aren't looking for perpetual anger and division. They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect, that deep in our gut, we want to find a way to turn towards each other again, not further away.

In forming our union, the founders fell terribly short of the Declaration's promise, leaving slavery intact, allowing states to restrict the franchise to white men who owned property.

it was nevertheless important that we all play a part in assuring that our elected officials are accountable.

They're meant to remind us of who we can be, to remind us of what's possible, so we can forge ahead.