In the depth of the near depression that he faced when he came in Barack Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress provided 'recovery funds' that literally kept our classrooms open. Two years ago these funds saved nearly 20 000 teacher and education jobs - just here in North Carolina.

We all have to announce our full solidarity with the struggle of those seeking freedom and justice in Syria and translate this sympathy into a clear political vision that supports a peaceful transition to a democratic system of rule that reflects the demands of the Syrian people for freedom.

I think the success of democracy is not really police security it's the presence of a broad middle class. The stronger the middle class of a people is the less you have to worry about one group coming in and exploiting the democratic process for its own ends.

Democrats believe in reigniting the American dream by removing barriers to success and building ladders of opportunity for all so everyone can succeed.

The strength of the Democratic Party of Cook County is not something that just happened.

In view of China's growing military strength and intentions the best way to safeguard Asia's permanent peace and prosperity is to have all Asian countries join forces with other democratic countries in the world to form a global community of democracies.

A free economy is as essential to society as democratic political institutions. A strong market-based economy is the fertile ground for democratic freedoms that we think are important.

Sweden is still a very peaceful country to live in. I think that people in Britain have created this mythology about Sweden that it's a perfect democratic society full of erotically charged girls.

It does not seem that the contradiction which exists between the aristocratic function of art and the democratic structure of modern society can ever be resolved.

But we don't have an example of a democratic society existing in a socialist economy - which is the only real alternative to capitalism in the modern world.