Tom Vilsack

If I had a rain prayer or a rain dance I could do, I would do it.

— Tom Vilsack

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy.

— Tom Vilsack

Local and regional food systems are about opportunity.

— Tom Vilsack

There is more potential for economic growth in rural America than at any time in decades.

— Tom Vilsack

The rise of childhood obesity has placed the health of an entire generation at risk.

— Tom Vilsack

There are children with dreams counting on us.

— Tom Vilsack

I don't think the face of the Democratic Party is Nancy Pelosi.

— Tom Vilsack

The lack of access to proper nutrition is not only fueling obesity, it is leading to food insecurity and hunger among our…

— Tom Vilsack

If we are to transition to a new economy and to lead it, we must start by transforming our schools.

— Tom Vilsack

Americans ... want leaders who share their values, understand their needs, and respect their intelligence.

— Tom Vilsack

People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible.

— Tom Vilsack

The Obama administration will continue to fight for a comprehensive immigration solution that includes AgJobs and a stable workforce for our farms.

— Tom Vilsack

I grew up in a city. My parents would think there was something wrong with America if they knew I was secretary…

— Tom Vilsack

I don't care what anybody says: Nothing is better than a tomato you grow. There's something about it that's different than a…

— Tom Vilsack

If we can get people to focus on fruits and vegetables and more healthy foods, we'll be better in terms of our…

— Tom Vilsack

Sixteen percent of our population is rural, but 40 percent of our military is rural. I don't believe that's because of a…

— Tom Vilsack

I think the Democrats have - we really have failed to be in rural America, in the sense of having our leaders…

— Tom Vilsack

Rural Americans want leaders who help middle-class communities to plan and prosper over the long-term - not opportunists who reap the rewards…

— Tom Vilsack

Over the past two years, the Obama Administration and USDA have worked to build a foundation for sustainable economic growth in rural…

— Tom Vilsack

Although they are some of the hardest working folks I know, rural Americans earn, on average, $11,000 less than their urban counterparts…

— Tom Vilsack

I don't know if there is a Democrat who necessarily doesn't believe health care is a right instead of privilege. There is…

— Tom Vilsack

It's how you make decisions that matters, and that ought to be the question that people ask of any candidate for any…

— Tom Vilsack

We know that there are significant health benefits from consuming more fruits and vegetables, and that's an opportunity for us to sort…

— Tom Vilsack

I think the Iraqis themselves will have to make a determination as to what type of government they ultimately come up with…

— Tom Vilsack

I think, first and foremost, showing up, making sure that Democrats focus not just on elections, not just on presidential elections, but…

— Tom Vilsack

Every political race I've started, I've entered as an underdog and a long shot. This is certainly no exception. But I happen…

— Tom Vilsack

I think we have not done a good job of explaining to people in rural America what is actually happening, number one.…

— Tom Vilsack

Hillary Clinton was in rural America during the Iowa caucuses, but I think the nature of a campaign makes it more difficult…

— Tom Vilsack

I think a lot of people don't understand the makeup of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program population, of the food stamp population,…

— Tom Vilsack

I would say that, from an agricultural perspective, I have a little bit of concern, because some of the folks I don't…

— Tom Vilsack

Very few people know that my department is responsible for 1.2 million home loans since I have been secretary. That's 1.2 million…

— Tom Vilsack

During a national crisis, we as a nation become a single community and no one should take advantage of a crisis.

— Tom Vilsack

President Obama's fight for rural America is personal. He was raised by a single mom and grandparents from Kansas. He hails from…

— Tom Vilsack

And sometimes people don't realize that 90 percent of the persistent poverty counties are located in rural America.

— Tom Vilsack

The food pyramid is very complicated. It doesn't give you as much info in a quick glance as the plate does.

— Tom Vilsack

Technology has allowed us to have more drought-resistant crops. The spotty nature of drought, the spotty nature of rains can sometimes result…

— Tom Vilsack

What Republicans have done in my view is that they are systematically dismantling a sense of community in America.

— Tom Vilsack

There are a lot of farmers and ranchers who are struggling. I get on my knees every day. If I had a…

— Tom Vilsack

Many young and beginning farmers start out in local markets. Some stay there, and some scale up.

— Tom Vilsack

More than half of America's rural counties are losing population and with it, political representation.

— Tom Vilsack