The conversation progressed, bumper-car style, to a very heated discussion about death and the survival of the soul. It amazes me that we, as a species, can argue so fervently over something that is, when all is said and done, unknowable and unprovable. Nonetheless, we all arrive at conclusions and cleave to our certainties: that there is nothing but the Void; or that we will find ourselves writing an admissions exam at the Pearly Gates.

You have a 12-foot fence. You know what’ll happen? Thirteen foot ladders.

We must never forget that it is the private sector – not government – that is the engine of economic opportunity. Businesses, particularly small businesses, flourish and can provide good jobs when government acts as a productive partner.

And so we became who we are: gentle and bookish and ever so slightly confused. It is not a bad way to be, when all is said and done.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, our nation is stronger when we are respected throughout the world.

I think what’s going to hurt the Republicans enormously is the extremist position of Mitt Romney on the immigration issue and states like New Mexico, states like Colorado, Nevada, Arizona – and I think it’s going to be the margin of victory for President Obama, a very narrow victory.

I’ve been told that I have a lot of energy. The secret is that I use renewable resources. Some days I’m solar powered. Some days I’m wind powered. And some people in this room might think I’m hybrid gas-powered. You’ll just have to guess which it is today.

I’m not a big believer in doing things unilaterally. I’m a big believer in opening up a dialogue and figuring out how we can make something work for all people.

As state leaders, I think its important for us to provide our perspectives on issues we face every day – like access to school spending, access to health care and governing in a global economy.

We’re a superpower with a Third World grid.