Barack Obama

I am gravely concerned about the situation in Pakistan not because I think that they're immediately going to be overrun and the Taliban would take over in Pakistan, more concerned that the civilian government there right now is very…

I think the Bush administration did a good job of creating the infrastructure so that we can respond.

I think very highly of Arlen Specter. I think he's got a record of legislative accomplishment that is as good as any member of the Senate.

I'm proud of what we've achieved but I'm not content. I'm pleased with our progress, but I'm not satisfied. Millions of Americans are still without jobs and homes. And more will be lost before this recession is over.

So, my general approach is that if the economy is strong, that will lift all boats, as long as it is also supported by, for example, strategies around college affordability and job training, tax cuts for working families, as opposed to the…

I am surprised compared to where I started when first announced for this race by the number of critical issues that appear to be coming to a head all at the same time.

Because this is a new strain, we have to be cautious.

We've recommended that both parents and businesses think about contingency plans if their children do have to stay home.

I'm thrilled to have Arlen in the Democratic Caucus.

I'm eager to receive his counsel and advice, especially when he disagrees.

I would love to get the U.S. Government out of the auto business as quickly as possible.

I strongly believe that the steps that we've taken to prevent these kinds of enhanced interrogation techniques will make us stronger over the long term and make us safer over the long term.

The American people need some confidence that if we actually put a package together we can execute.

I think it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things.

But I know that it also reflects an independence that has been the hallmark of Arlen Specter's career since the days he arrived in Washington.

You're who I'm working for every single day in the White House.

I think he's focused on ensuring that we are taking the steps necessary to fix our economy.

It is great to be back in the middle of America, where common sense often reigns.

That's the spirit I see everywhere I go.

The question again is how do you do it in an intelligent way?

I'm not satisfied, and I know you aren't either.

I don't accept--I don't expect Arlen to be a rubber stamp; I don't expect any Member of Congress to be a rubber stamp.

That's why I ordered the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo.

These fine public servants are welcome additions to my team as we work to put America on a path towards prosperity and keep our nation safe.

I think he's happy with what we have started to achieve, understanding that we have a long way to go.