"Let's face it, a mixed kid from Hawaii born to a single mom is not likely to become President of the United States. But in America it can happen because of education, because somebody gave me opportunity."

"You know, a little black girl from the South Side of Chicago, whose mom is a secretary and dad is a blue-collar worker--not likely to become First Lady of the United States. But it happens because she got a great education, even though her folks didn’t have a lot of money."

"It's the gateway of opportunity for middle-class families, for those who are willing to work hard to get into the middle class and stay there."