954 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

For I have a strong belief that changes must be made and that the
Nixon administration will make those changes.

I know, I am positive, that there is a better way to balance the com-
plex relationship between Federal, state and local government than
presently being exercised.

I know that the Federal government must work more construc-
tively, more creatively and above all, more simply in meeting the
problems of prejudice and poverty in our cities.

I know that there is a bright new world of ideas for cities, such
as cultural, commercial, industrial centers, and satellite cities, that
we're only beginning to explore.

I know that America is reaching for the frontiers of space and I am
for it. But I also know we must treat generously the old, the sick
and the poor.

We must help build independence and pride in the black com-
munity and make black Americans partners in our system.

I also know that more important than words in this campaign and
in the next administration will be action, the kind of action that
follows from involvement in the problems, and from the closest kind
of relationship with the people who are involved in the problems.

In this campaign, I will be speaking with those who, even as I have
been, are dealing with these great problems every day. With the
Mayors, like my good friend John Lindsay, the Governors, the county
executives and Commissioners.

And I will be searching out their views and their priorities.
One last word about the campaign we are about to begin.

I am dedicated to a hard campaign, one that reaches into every
area of the country and every set of circumstances, a campaign that
brings the message of change to all the people of America. And that
will lead from the top of the ticket to the bottom to a great decision
for change in November.

I feel that the Vice President must represent more than a region,
or an issue, or a special interest.

I feel more important than where a lot of people live is what a lot
of people think. I feel more important on a national ticket than a
partnership of political expediency is an alliance of ideals, more
important than contrast of views in a single focus.