Obama Ipsum

It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

It is not up in heaven. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and respect. John McCain likes to say that he'll follow bin Laden to the Gates of Hell - but he won't even go to the cave where he lives.

Now don't get me wrong. God is still speaking. This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. Now let there be no doubt. But the record's clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush ninety percent of the time.

Go into any inner city neighborhood, and folks will tell you that government alone can't teach our kids to learn - they know that parents have to teach, that children can't achieve unless we raise their expectations and turn off the television sets and eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white. Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves - protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology. But my personal story is not so unique. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America means faith should have no role in public life. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear.

Thank you.