It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today. The 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, family leave, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, retirement plans. The cornerstones of the middle-class security all bear the union label.
Issues are never simple. One thing I'm proud of is that very rarely will you hear me simplify the issues.
You know, one of the things I think you understand as president is you're held responsible for everything, but you don't always have control of everything, right?
The immigration issue is, I recognize, one that generates a lot of passion, but it does not make sense for us to want to push talent out.
The United States is not, and never will be, at war with Islam.
We are not at war against Islam.
I will continue to believe that Israel's security is paramount.
Americans... still believe in an America where anything's possible - they just don't think their leaders do.
I cannot swallow whole the view of Lincoln as the Great Emancipator.
Trayvon Martin could have been me 35 years ago.
Let's be honest - tracking down, rounding up, and deporting millions of people isn't realistic. Anyone who suggests otherwise isn't being straight with you. It's also not who we are as Americans.
As a nuclear power - as the only nuclear power to have used a nuclear weapon - the United States has a moral responsibility to act.
What I believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor, is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all - the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead.
We will keep the promise of Social Security by taking the responsible steps to strengthen it - not by turning it over to Wall Street.
My job is not to represent Washington to you, but to represent you to Washington.
What do you think a stimulus is? It's spending - that's the whole point! Seriously.
I think when you spread the wealth around it's good for everybody.
