
From his home
in Phoenix, Arizona,
on January 3, 1964,
Senator Barry Goldwater
announced his candidacy
for the
Republican Presidential
nomination.
These were his words…
Ever
since the last Republican convention thousands of Americans have asked me to
seek the Republican presidential nomination in 1964. I withheld a decision until
now, not because of any attempt to be politically coy, but because I have been
giving every aspect of such a decision the most serious consideration.
Today,
here at our home, in this State I love, with my family and with the people whose
friendship and political interests have placed me where I am, I want to tell you
this: I will seek the Republican presidential nomination. I’ve decided to do
this because of the principles in which I believe and because I am convinced
that millions of Americans share my belief in those principles. I decided to do
this also because I have not heard from any announced Republican candidate a
declaration of conscience or of political position that could possibly offer to
the American people a clear choice in the next presidential election.
One of
the great attributes of our American two party system has always been the
reflected differences in principle. As a general rule one party has emphasized
individual liberty and the other has favored the extension of government power.
I’m convinced that today a majority in the Republican Party believes in the
essential emphasis on individual liberty.
I’ve
been spelling out my position now for 10 years in the Senate and for years
before that here in my own state. I will spell it out even further in the months
to come. I was once asked what kind of Republican I was. I replied that I was
not a “me-too” Republican. That still holds. I will not change my beliefs to win
votes. I will offer a choice, not an echo. This will not be an engagement of
personalities. It will be in engagement of principles.
I’ve
always stood for government that is limited and balanced and against the ever
increasing concentrations of authority in Washington. I’ve always stood for
individual responsibility and against regimentation. I believe we must now make
a choice in this land and not continue drifting endlessly down and down for a
time when all of us, our lives, our property, our hopes, and even our prayers
will become just cogs in a vast government machine.
I
believe that we can win victory for freedom both at home and abroad. I believe
that we can be strong enough and determined enough to win those victories
without war. I believe that appeasement and weakness can only bring war. I’ve
asked and will continue to ask: Why Not Victory–why not victory for sound,
constitutional principles and government–why not victory over the evils of
communism?
I’m
convinced that in this year 1964 we must face up to our conscience and make a
definite choice. We must decide what sort of people we are and what sort of
world we want–now and for our children.
My
candidacy is pledged to a victory for principle and to presenting an opportunity
for the American people to choose. Let there be a choice–right now and in
clear, understandable terms. And I ask all of those who feel and believe as I do
to join with me in assuring both the choice and the victory.
Source: 'Senator Goldwater Speaks Out on the Issues' Goldwater for
President Committee Brochure
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