Ronald Reagan: “Strom Thurmond is a man of character, wisdom, energy, and leadership.”

It was a message of peace.

I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience.

Let us always take with us the spirit of vision, skill, and excellence.

If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.