For too long, Democrats have been telling people what they want to hear. I'm going to tell you what I believe.

Philosophically, it's the only way I can think of to let all those people who've checked out [of politics] to check back in. I look at Massachusetts, and it seems to be at a crossroads. There should be an urgency about that.

He has watched jobs and people leave. Mostly young, well educated people -- our future. But discontent with the Republicans isn't going to be enough. We have to offer to the people leadership with creative leadership.

We have drained common sense out of our politics. The more we focus on tactics and games, the more good people check out and give up.

People aren't going to go bankrupt anymore if they have a serious illness, which was a serious issue here in the country before the Affordable Care Act. And, in fact, the expense of expanding health care for those who need the subsidy is picked up by the federal government for most of the early years.

We need a government that is what we are at our best. Smart, efficient, pragmatic and compassionate.