US Presidency
1986

Surely no issue is more important for peace in our own hemisphere, for the security of our frontiers, for the protection of our vital interests, than to achieve democracy in Nicaragua and to protect Nicaragua's democratic neighbors. This year I will be asking Congress for the means to do what must be done for that great and good cause. As [ former Senator Henry M. ] Scoop Jackson, the inspiration for our Bipartisan Commission on Central America, once said, In matters of national security, the best politics is no politics. What we accomplish this year, in each challenge we face, will set our course for the balance of the decade, indeed, for the remainder of the century. After all we've done so far, let no one say that this nation can not reach the destiny of our dreams. America believes, America is ready, America can win the race to the future, and we shall.