“…This is the moment when democracy proves its mettle. We will show the world that the will of the people can force the most powerful nation in history to correct its course and live up [to] its promise…

“…We need to once again become a nation where politics is defined by civil, respectful debate. When did it become OK to call an opponent a “socialist” or a “Marxist” or a “terrorist by association?” We need to reject campaigns that are defined more by name calling, personal attacks and distortion than by honest disagreement.

“This is the time to stop questioning the patriotism of those who disagree with us. Dissent is not “anti-American.” Having and respecting different opinions is the foundation of patriotism.

“We can no longer afford to take pride in having other countries dislike us, or distrust us. The strength of a country should be measured not by intimidation, but rather by leadership and compassion. After this election, the word “torture” should never again be linked to the United States of America.

“It’s time to officially retire the “Bush Doctrine,” which alienated many of our allies and served as an elixir for our enemies, helping them recruit new members as America’s image around the world crumbled. We have seen unimaginable resources disappear into a war that is still not close to coming to an end. And we have lost more lives fighting this war than we did in the terrible attack that our leaders used to justify it.

“We need to take religion back from those who use faith to divide us. It doesn’t matter if it’s Reverend Wright or Pastor Hagee, religion can no longer be used to promote intolerance or hatred. We need to hold religious leaders to a higher standard. We need to reestablish the separation of church and state. And we need to finally stop discriminating against other lifestyles and start concentrating on making the lives of all people better…

“That’s why I am excited to vote this year. It’s why I hope each of you will do the same…”