Richard Nixon

The world is a calmer, more rational place today than it was 4 years ago.

My fellow Californians, this is a great State, and this is a beautiful country.

Everywhere I go, I find that people are united in what they believe is best for America.

But let me tell you why details are important.

We are making these gains for peace and prosperity because the American spirit is strong--because Americans are not going to yield to the easy temptations of surrender abroad or handout at home.

And that kind of peace, my friends--and let us understand what the issue is, and this is the basic difference between the two candidates--I say it shall be peace with honor and not peace with surrender for the United States of America.

When it comes down to the important things, Americans still stand together-that we are one America in conscience, in purpose, and in inspiration.

As peace in Vietnam comes closer, we can look to the larger world and the long-term future with hope and satisfaction.

As you remember, in that year Mr. Roosevelt carried all the States except Maine and Vermont.

If the day ever comes when the President of the United States has to negotiate from weakness, that will be a dangerous day, not only for America but for the whole world.

If we unilaterally slashed our defenses now as our opponents in this election advocate, the Soviets would have no incentive to negotiate further arms limitations.

I am proud that my Administration was able to make such great progress for peace.

We ask for a chance to continue that job and to build that lasting peace, a generation of peace for all Americans.

In my Inaugural Address nearly 4 years ago, I said that the greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker.

Our spirit is strong.

We want that equal chance for everybody--an equal chance for the best education, an equal chance for good health.

We are going to have the kind of agreement which will end this war and build the foundation for a lasting peace that we can enjoy in that part of the world and all over the world.

It is fitting that it should be here, in California.

You may recall back in 1968 when, with the very best of intentions, the previous Administration entered into a bombing halt of North Vietnam and everybody thought we were going to have peace now.

We can and will achieve it.

I want to state my position today.

Americans can stand united in the knowledge that, more than at any time in this century, the hope for a full generation of peace burns bright.

Four years ago I promised that we would move from an era of confrontation to an era of negotiation.

We must remember that strength for the United States is vitally important to world peace.

Also, may I say to you that it is a very great privilege to be here on this platform with the other candidates who stood here a moment ago, because this is truly a team effort.