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A functioning, robust democracy requires a healthy educated, participatory followership, and an educated, morally grounded leadership.

Democracy functions best when we have an active citizenry.

We're a robust democracy here. That's the wonderful thing about this country.

A messy participatory process is representative democracy at its best.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. It is a difficult, hard, full-contact, participatory endeavor.

The beauty of democracy is that an average, random, unremarkable citizen can lead it.

A healthy democracy requires a decent society; it requires that we are honorable, generous, tolerant and respectful.

The democracy we are constructing must be able to show its usefulness and relevance.

Democracy doesn't require a whole lot of work of its citizens, but it requires some: It requires taking a good look outside once in a while, and considering the bad news and what it might mean, and making the occasional tough choice, and soberly taking stock of what your real interests are.

But, you know, I'm sorry, I think democracy requires participation. I mean, I don't want to proselytize but I do feel some sort of duty to participate in the process in some way other than just blindly getting behind a political party.