Leadership is about doing what you know is right - even when a growing din of voices around you is trying to convince you to accept what you know to be wrong.

We discussed politics, but we also talked about the importance of hard work, personal responsibility, living within your means, keeping your word. Those lessons stay with you throughout your life.

Some of the most important conversations I've ever had occurred at my family's dinner table.

Politics is a contest among people of diverse backgrounds and philosophies, advocating different solutions to common problems. The system only works when principled, energetic people participate.

I don't know what leadership is. You can't touch it. You can't feel it. It's not tangible. But I do know this: you recognize it when you see it.

It's appropriate to celebrate public service, and the thoughtful people who choose to serve. They symbolize what is good and decent about this historic citizen legislature, and we thank them.

I support stem cell research, including embryonic stem cell research.

Serving in Congress has been the honor of a lifetime.

We have no more fundamental obligation in government than to ensure the safety of our citizens.

Thoughtful people of different political philosophies can disagree, but in a very agreeable manner.

I generally believe in polls. Scientific polls are accurate.

Regret is a waste of time.

In our imaginations we can go anywhere. Travel with me to Redwall in Mossflower country.

Happy thoughts create happy molecules, and healthy thoughts create healthy molecules.

Husband and wife have so many interests in common that when they have jogged through the ups and downs of life a sufficient time, the leash which at first galled often grows easy and familiar.

I think the answer has to do with the fact that [Louis D.] Brandeis was a consistent critic of bigness in business and in government.

The most powerful leadership tool you have is your personal example.

I love nerds. Comic-Con junkies are the tastemakers of tomorrow. Isn't that funny? The tables have turned

The truth can only be recalled, never invented.

By nature I will find hope in everything. Even if it's the most incredibly hopeless situation or circumstance. That's just me... I'll never be able to see things any other way.

For ultimately, the only way to win wars, is to prevent them occurring in the first place.