Quotes from Barack Obama

Contrary to the claims of some of my critics and some of the editorial pages, I am an ardent believer in the free market.

I will continue to believe that Israel's security is paramount.

What I'm asking for is hard. It's easier to be cynical; to accept that change isn't possible, and politics is hopeless, and to believe that our voices and actions don't matter. But if we give up now, then we forsake a better future.

Our public life withers when only the most extreme voices get attention. Most of all, democracy breaks down when the average person feels their voice doesn't matter; that the system is rigged in favor of the rich or the powerful or some narrow interest.

We will keep the promise of Social Security by taking the responsible steps to strengthen it - not by turning it over to Wall Street.

I'm a warrior for the middle class.

I don't oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war.

My job is not to represent Washington to you, but to represent you to Washington.

What Washington needs is adult supervision.

I'm a Christian by choice.

We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible.

Someone once said that every man is trying to live up to his father's expectations or make up for their father's mistakes.