It was a strong middle class that powered American industries and propelled America’s economy and made the 20th century the American century. And the fundamental test of this century, of our time, is whether we will heed this lesson; whether we will let America become a nation of the very rich and the very poor, of the haves and the have-nots; or whether we will remain true to the promise of this country and build a future where the success of all of us is built on the success of each of us.

— President Barack Obama, speaking about economic security to the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.