Barack Obama

We need to do this if not just for just optics to show the country that we can give money directly to homeowners and that in itself would make a difference.

If this President doesn't do it, I will in January.

One area that I'm concerned about and I've said this publicly, is we have not focused on foreclosures and what's happening to homeowners as much as I would like. We have the tools to do it. We've got to set up a negotiation between banks…

For the auto industry to completely collapse would be a disaster in this kind of environment, not just for individual families but the repercussions across the economy would be dire. So it's my belief that we need to provide assistance to…

Make no mistake; this is the greatest economic challenge of our times. And while the road ahead will be long and the work will be hard, I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis.

Just going to have a good conversation about how we can do some work together to fix up the country and also to offer thanks to Senator McCain for the outstanding service he's already rendered.

I'm less interested in looking backwards than I am in looking forwards.

Michelle helps on that 'cause she's just a sensible person.

The challenges we face as a nation are now more numerous and difficult than when I first arrived in Chicago, but I have no doubt that we can meet them.

I think our basic principle that this is a free market system and that that has worked for us...

Surprisingly enough, I feel right now that I'm doing what I should be doing.

I came to Illinois all those years ago, and they will stay with me when I go to the White House in January.

I think Michelle is gonna design her own role.

One of the great joys of this campaign is the seeing how the girls have adjusted to this thing.

I think any sensible person would say that we should be creating a playoff system.

Part of what we have to measure against is what didn't happen and not just what has happened.

The consensus is this: that we have to do whatever it takes to get this economy moving again.

The White House is beautiful. It is awe-inspiring.

I think it's important to get a national security team in place because transition periods are potentially times of vulnerability to a terrorist attack.

It's my belief that we need to provide assistance to the auto industry.

These individuals are important additions to a team with the experience and ability to help our nation overcome pressing challenges at home and around the world.

I want to make sure that I can recreate a bond of trust between the presidency and the public.

I have faith that all will in fact be well.

I think we still have to see how this thing unfolds over the next couple of months.

I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.