A basic element of the American dream is equal access to education as the lubricant of social and economic mobility.

What is key to America's understanding of class is the persistent belief - despite all evidence to the contrary - that anyone, with the proper discipline and drive, can move from a lower class to a higher class. We recognize the mobility may be difficult, but the key to our collective self-image is the assumption that mobility is always possible, so failure to move up reflects on one's character.

What is the American dream? The American dream is one big tent. One big tent. And on that big tent you have four basic promises: equal protection under the law, equal opportunity, equal access, and fair share.

When it comes to the American dream, no one has a corner on the market. All of us have an equal chance to share in that dream.

The American dream belongs to all of us.

The American dream is about freedom.