“We don’t think government can solve all our problems. But we don’t think that government is the source of all our problems — any more than are welfare recipients, or corporations, or unions, or immigrants, or gays, or any other group we’re told to blame for our troubles.”
— President Barack Obama, Sept. 6

“You’re the reason a young immigrant who grew up here and went to school here and pledged allegiance to our flag will no longer be deported from the only country she’s ever called home; why selfless soldiers won’t be kicked out of the military because of who they are or who they love; why thousands of families have finally been able to say to the loved ones who served us so bravely: ‘Welcome home.’”
— President Barack Obama, Sept. 6

“This has been the most diverse, most inclusive convention ever held — a convention not just of symbolism, but of substance. For the first time, a major party platform recognizes marriage equality as a basic human right!”
— Democratic National Convention Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Sept. 6

“In too many states, even some folks who have a job wake up every morning in fear that they will lose that job simply for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. We fight for them.”
— Openly gay California Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, Sept. 5

“Diversity is America’s strength, and only by working together, as one nation, can we form a more perfect union. That is why President Obama brought to Washington a vision for one America — an America in which we can overcome divisions of red and blue to make our country greater. It is why he’s fighting to make citizenship a reality for young immigrants who go to college or serve in our military. It is why he repealed ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ so that no person is prevented from serving the country they love because of whom they love. And it is why Barack Obama became the first sitting president in American history to show his personal support for same-sex marriage.”
— Openly gay Colorado Congressman Jared Polis, Sept. 4

“If farmers and blacksmiths could win independence from an empire; if immigrants could leave behind everything they knew for a better life on our shores; if women could be dragged to jail for seeking the vote; if a generation could defeat a depression, and define greatness for all time; if a young preacher could lift us to the mountaintop with his righteous dream; and if proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love; then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream.”
— First Lady Michelle Obama, Sept. 4