Our platform calls for a balanced deficit reduction plan where the wealthy pay their fair share. And when your country is in a costly war with our soldiers sacrificing abroad and our nation facing a debt crisis at home being asked to pay your fair share isn't class warfare - it's patriotism.

The inequalities are greater now than in '92. Some states have equalized per-pupil spending but they set the 'equal level' very low so that wealthy districts simply raise extra money privately.

You aren't wealthy until you have something money can't buy.

I made a small fortune. I made a lot of money and I made a lot of other people wealthy.

Money is not a motivating factor. Money doesn't thrill me or make me play better because there are benefits to being wealthy. I'm just happy with a ball at my feet. My motivation comes from playing the game I love. If I wasn't paid to be a professional footballer I would willingly play for nothing.

Wealthy men can't live in an island that is encircled by poverty. We all breathe the same air. We must give a chance to everyone at least a basic chance.

My deal is have a flat simple tax. And - Americans want - Americans I hope - aspire to be - be wealthy. I hope they aspire to have a better quality of life. And we have this class warfare that's going on now. And I don't agree with that. I'm interested in people getting to work.

Part of the problem is voters know relatively little about Romney. And some of what they know about him complicates his task: Romney has a history of flip-flopping on issues he's extraordinarily wealthy and he can be tone-deaf about what moves voters. He just doesn't seem comfortable in his skin.

Increased revenues meaning higher taxes will be a central element of any successful long-term budget plan and President Obama is right to insist that the wealthy - the slice of America that has come through the recession in by far the best financial health - should provide those funds.

If you want to know why Republicans and conservatives are in a political crisis you need only consider the fact that the Right's deeply held view now boils down to this: Taxes should not go up on the wealthy and your health benefits should be cut.