US Presidency
1964

And let me make this clear. I ask the American people for a mandate not to preside over a finished program not just to keep things going, I ask the American people for a mandate to begin. This Nation this generation in this hour, has man's first chance to build the Great Society- a place where the meaning of man's life matches the marvels of man's labor. We seek a nation where every man can find reward in work and satisfaction in the use of his talents. We seek a nation where every man can seek knowledge, and touch beauty, and rejoice in the closeness of family and community. We seek a nation where every man can, in the words of our oldest promise, follow the pursuit of happiness not just security but achievements and excellence and fulfillment of the spirit. So let us join together in this great task. Will you join me tonight in rebuilding our cities to make them a decent place for our children to live in?