To get things done, we must work together. We must meet in the middle to work out our differences and find the best solutions.

It is time for us to turn a corner and come together, put our differences behind us and focus on the future.

When nearly a third of our high school students do not graduate on time with their peers, we have work to do. We must design our middle and high schools so that no student gets lost in the crowd and disconnected from his or her own potential.

The most urgent need right now is for money, ... We must help maintain the good work that is under way through reputable relief organizations.

We must work to help all families and all communities realize their dream of a better future.

I want to work on respecting individuals' dignity. Equal rights, that's where my heart is. That means equal rights and benefits, and that's what we need.