That is why this question of American prestige is so important.

I think the time has come to start doing the job, and doing it full time.

I speak in the Senate for Massachusetts.

My belief is that Mr. Nixon runs for the office of the Presidency without emphasizing in his campaign, either because he is not informed or because he does not believe that this is the most serious time in the life of this country.

The next 5 years are going to be decisive years in the life of our country.

The office of the Presidency is key, and whoever may be the next President, whether it is Mr. Nixon or myself, will be faced with greater responsibilities and greater burdens.

This is a contest between the concerned and the comfortable, and you have to decide what you are, comfortable or concerned.

But prestige is important.

This is an important question, because prestige is not popularity.

I ask your help in this campaign.

I do not detect any note of urgency in the speeches of the Vice President.

We are going to have to go to work again.

I come here today as the Democratic standard bearer in a most important election.

And I'll tell you why it's a false issue.

I run for the office of the Presidency after 14 years in the Congress with full recognition of the responsibilities of that office.

He said he favored raising teachers' pay.

Let me say that Mr. Nixon and I have one thing in common and that is that he just campaigns in Republican districts.

American prestige, essential to our influence and our security, has declined these last 8 years even more sharply than we realized.