953

ADDRESS ACCEPTING VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION

August 8, 1968

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, before I make these few re-
marks I would like to introduce my wife, Judy, and half of my chil-
dren — my oldest daughter and my what I call middle daughter,
Pamela and Susan Agnew.

Thank you.

Mr. Chairman and my fellow delegates, fellow Republicans and my
fellow Americans.

I stand here with a deep sense of the improbability of this moment.
Last night when I faced these microphones to place in nomination
one of the truly great Americans of our time, Richard M. Nixon, I
honestly had no idea whatsoever that I would be back on this plat-
form to accept this nomination tonight. Obviously, I have had no
time to prepare a profound message.

But I do want to emphasize my awareness that I have with this
high office, the challenge of this high office, accepted a tremendous
responsibility to the party and to all Americans. What can I bring
to this moment in behalf of our party and its great Presidential
nominee?

Well, perhaps a few objectives born of deep conviction.

The objective to analyze and to help solve the problems of this
nation without dependence on the canned philosophy of liberalism
or conservatism.

The objective to avoid the currently popular concept that the only
purpose of government is to spend money, and that all spending in
a good cause is worthy whether or not it will get results.

The objective that racial discrimination, unfair and unequal edu-
cation, and unequal job opportunities must be eliminated no matter
whom that displeases.

And I believe quite compatibly the observation that anarchy, riot-
ing or even civil disobedience has no constructive purpose in a con-
stitutional republic.

I look forward to sharing in an administration in which a President
will entrust his Vice President with vital responsibilities for the great
problems of the states and the cities.