Families and communities
"At the dawn of the 21st century we also have a collective responsibility to recommit ourselves to the dream; to strengthen that safety net, put the rungs back on that ladder to the middle class, and give every family the chance that so many of our parents and grandparents had. This responsibility is one that's been missing from Washington for far too long – a responsibility I intend to take very seriously as president."
Spartanburg, S.C. ~ June 15, 2007
A healthy America
"We now face an opportunity – and an obligation – to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates. ... My plan begins by covering every American. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law. No one will be turned away because of a pre-existing condition or illness."
Iowa City, Iowa ~ May 29, 2007
Manufacturing
"I'll be a president who finally keeps the promise that's made year after year after year by providing domestic automakers with the funding they need to retool their factories and make fuel-efficient and alternative fuel cars. My own state of Illinois is home to the oldest, continually operating Ford assembly plant outside Michigan, so I understand why it's so important to bring our auto industry into the 21st century. And that's what we'll do when I'm president."
Warren, Mich. ~ May 14, 2008
Trade
"... For America to compete and win in the global economy, trade has to work for all Americans. That means making sure that our workers are competing on a level playing field, and that countries like China aren't breaking the rules and putting American workers at a disadvantage. Fighting for our workers isn't bad for business; it's good for our economy."
Warren, Mich. ~ May 14, 2008
Unions
"It's time we have a president who didn't choke on the word "union." We need to strengthen our unions by letting them do what they do best — organize our workers. If a majority of workers want a union, they should get a union. It's that simple. That"s why I was one of the leaders fighting to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. That's why I'm fighting for it in the Senate. And that's why we'll make it the law of the land when I"m president."
Dubuque, Iowa – Nov. 13, 2007
