He was such an honest journalist and when I was an education minister, I always took any policy criticism from him seriously because I knew it would be based on sound knowledge and good judgement.
His nuanced performance in Silver Linings Playbook helped him emerge as an Honest Abe actor, true to his Philly-area hometown, with a Georgetown education and enormous acting prowess.
His decision to nominate Arne Duncan as U.S. education secretary was inspired, and his comments on holding the system accountable are honest, refreshing and insightful.