We need to transform our military forces by focusing on force posture, not force structure.

Instead of measuring military readiness in terms of overall size and numbers, we must focus on metrics of capability, particularly in technology, and positioning.

Our country desperately needs a president with a depth of global experience and an understanding of all the elements of our nation's power, from our economy and our diplomacy to the power of our ideals and our military, including its limitations.

On the aircraft carrier under my command, where the average age of sailors was 19 and a half, you could see accountability in action at all times. You especially saw it when an order was given that a plane about to launch suddenly must be switched out for another and kept on board.

If elected president, it will be my solemn duty to always hold myself accountable to the American people. They deserve nothing less.

A President can obstruct justice and Congress has the full right to hold a President accountable for such law-breaking through impeachment. After a President leaves office, I believe they may be held accountable through the courts as well.

Having served in the military, I know that militaries can stop a problem, but they can't fix a problem.

We must work hard to ensure that Social Security remains solvent for future generations.

I favor every worker having access to a retirement savings account, and there are various options for doing this. I do support states implementing their own plans, and I expect them to play an important role in increasing retirement savings for young professionals especially.

Look, I went to war, and we knew by survey that when I went to war that we had a certain percentage in that carrier battle group, and when I was on the ground briefly in Afghanistan, that were gay. And now we come back to America and say they don't have equal rights. I've never understood it. This is something where we have to correct this.

I really believe, if I learned anything in the military, it was that I was accountable for my actions and I like to be part of the team that kind of brings that back to Washington, D.C. - not just responsibility, but accountability and being ready to lose my job over doing what's right.

Washington, D.C.'s lost the trust and faith of everyone.

I think we do stand in this nation for equal rights for everybody.

Those who are in our military and now have retired or they left the service actually respect candor. And they respect those that speak without trying to politicize who they are.

People ask me if I'm liberal or conservative. I say neither - I'm pragmatic.

Americans know that we have more in common than we do differences.

I believe in national service, where you can join AmeriCorps or the military.

Warfare has changed so dramatically.

You know, I had gone to war.

Our enlisted are the backbone of our service, are exceptionally a bright group of men women.

I would immediately rejoin the Paris Accords and reassert U.S. leadership in the critical process of global diplomacy.

How do you govern by captaining the ship? How do you win without the trust of the crew?

If you lease a part of your soul in a campaign, Washington, D.C., and the establishment... will think they have an option to buy.

I don't think people need to worry about how I stand.

America can't go sideways anymore.

We must end semi-automatic weapons that are used for war. We don't want those in the streets of America and that's why I've got to go to the people on this, not just the elected representatives and Senate, just like I did in my district.

There are too many who have not shared in the benefits of this economy.

We were rugged individualists in the Navy, but we all had health care.

We can improve the military at less cost and with increased capability. It's not acceptable to keep investing in structure when we would be wiser to invest in dominating the new warfare domain of cyberspace.

Human rights in China should absolutely play a role in broader U.S. policy toward China. When we look the other way on fundamental issues of human rights, we are also responsible.

Collectively, we must find points of leverage in order to convince China to improve their treatment of Uighurs, Tibetans, and other minority groups, to ensure the autonomy of Hong Kong, and to continue to protect democracy in Taiwan, among other issues.

Certainly, the JCPOA was not a perfect agreement. It did not deal with the threat from Iranian missiles, or their support for violent extremism. And it contains a 'sunset clause,' meaning it expires after a decade. But it was accomplishing the one goal it set out to achieve: stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

To be productive and focused, the rugged individuals in our economy need health security so that our country can remain competitive and agile in the changing economy.

Your U.S. military has the best child care in the nation. Full, paid family and medical leave benefits. Why aren't we doing that to empower our workforce?

I understand the challenge with student loans. But what about the labor force, the enlisted men and women, so to speak, of ships. Those who work with their hands and their minds. We need to do what we do in the military, is we train and retrain.

I don't want to be president if I have to win by outrage. I don't want to just win. I want to govern, and not just by executive order.

I'm not beholden to one party or any special interests.

I fought for the rule of law in America.

Trade is part of our national security.

What people in Washington worry about - they forget about the people. They forget the mission.

The Democratic Party isn't any good unless they know it's about people!

Economic mobility will fix income inequality.

People don't trust party leaders.

It's like I learned in the military: the officers always ate last. When you're responsible for people, that's how it should be.

A comprehensive approach to a two-state solution is not just, we believe, in Israel's interest. It's in our interest.

If you took money out of politics, you'd solve 80 percent of all the problems.

Yes, I'll stand up to the party if they're wrong and they aren't going the right way for people in Pennsylvania. But I do believe in Democratic principles.

I come from a background in the military where everyone had health care. We understood the value of education as a given. You learn a skill, earn a pension and go on to 'Be all that you can be'... You invest in people. You hold people accountable.

The career politicians down in Washington don't want to be held accountable.

My party needs to understand that business is not a bad word - especially when it has the word 'small' before it.