“Because of the Civil Rights movement, new doors of opportunity and education swung open for everybody ... Not just for blacks and whites, but also women and Latinos; and Asians and Native Americans; and gay Americans and Americans with a disability. They swung open for you, and they swung open for me. And that's why I'm standing here today-because of those efforts, because of that legacy.”

“There are always things that I think I wish I could have done better.”

“Inequality also distorts our democracy. It gives an outsized voice to the few who can afford high-priced lobbyists and unlimited campaign contributions, and runs the risk of selling out our democracy to the highest bidder. And it leaves everyone else rightly suspicious that the system in Washington is rigged against them - that our elected representatives aren't looking out for the interests of most Americans.”

“Cathleen Falsani: What is sin?Barack Obama: Being out of alignment with my values.”

“Basically, I am a night owl. My wife is an early bird, so she goes to bed around 9:30, and my kids are in bed about 8. So, if I am home, I will usually start writing about 9:30 and go till about 12:30 or 1:30, depending on what my energy level is.”

“There is at least one thing worse than fighting with allies - And that is to fight without them”

“Now that we are, as you say, 'in the same boat,' would it not be wise for us to have another conference ... and the sooner the better.”

“Since you are not a prophet, follow the way taught by prophets.Since you are not a king, be a loyal subject to The King.Since you are not a captain, do not take the helm of the ship.Since you do not possess every skill, have partners in your business.Be as pliant as dough in the hands of others, that you may rise well.”