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

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.

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

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

Through this decency, we can build a more hopeful America.

I'm ready. Let's go.

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.

This money that has been allocated is still not reaching ordinary folks here in New Orleans and in Louisiana. And until it does, all the numbers and the meetings and the planning that's being done is inadequate.

We should start drawing down our troops, redeploying them to fight in Afghanistan and other places.