Obama was elected in a flourish of promise that many in the African-American community believed would help not only to symbolize African-American progress since the Civil War and Civil Rights Acts but that his presidency would result in doors opening in the halls of power as had never been seen before by black America.

Since the heady days of the 2009 Inauguration, middle-class independents have grown increasingly distant from Obama. Working-class voters - always more enamored of Clinton - have grown even more wary and distrustful of the Chicagoan. Both voting blocs pose the danger of serious defection in 2012. Without their support, Obama cannot win.

You don't ever earn a right to stop doing anything if you feel there is an obligation to move in terms of public service.

Slavery is nothing to joke about. The history of this nation's involvement with slavery is nothing to pass off in a joke.

We can demonstrate to the world that the U.K. remains a beacon for opportunity, fairness, and democratic leadership.

It's unequivocal: everyplace I go, the one line I can use in a speech that I know will get applause is when I say it's time for a new generation of leadership in our party.

It is our duty as states, citizens, and industry leaders to make the energy transition a reality with the ultimate aim of reconciling two major priorities: to meet ever-increasing demand and to confront the complex issue of climate change.

I have yet to meet members of a leadership team who I thought lacked the intelligence or the domain expertise required to be successful. I've met many, however, who failed to foster organizational health. Their companies were riddled with politics, various forms of dysfunction, and general confusion about their direction and mission.