I dont believe in labels. I want to do the best I can, all the time. I want to be progressive without getting both feet off the ground at the same time. I want to be prudent without having my mind closed to anything that is new or different. I have often said that I was proud that I was a free man first and an American second, and a public servant third and a Democrat fourth, in that order, and I guess as a Democrat, if I had to takeplace a label on myself, I would want to be a progressive who is prudent.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker emphasizes their belief in taking action and making decisions without being confined by labels. They prioritize doing their best, being progressive yet grounded, and remaining open to new ideas and perspectives. The speaker values their identity as a free individual first, an American second, and a public servant third, with being a Democrat only coming in fourth. They conclude by stating that if they were to adopt a label, they would prefer to be classified as a progressive who combines progressiveness with prudence.