John F. Kennedy July 4, 1960 Signed 7-Page Press Release:
Highlights of John F. Kennedy's speech:
“Truman suggests I step aside as a presidential candidate in 1960. In response, let me say: I do not intend to step aside at anyone's request.”
“To me, an open convention means one reflecting the free will of delegates freely elected in contested primaries and state conventions. But based on my observation of him in 1952, 1956 and last Saturday, Mr. Truman regards an open convention as one which studies all the candidates—reviews their records— and then takes his advice.”
“and finally, the heart of Mr. Truman's objection it seems, is his question as to whether I am ready for the country, or the country is ready for me, in terms of maturity and experience. Let me say this as objectively as I can: I did not undertake lightly to seek the Presidency.”
“But this much ought to be understood: if we are to establish a test for the presidency whereby 14 years in major elective office is insufficient experience, then all but 3 of the ten possibilities mentioned by Mr. Truman must be ruled out—all but a handful of our Presidents since the very founding of the Nation should have been ruled out including… the 3 great Democratic Presidents: Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Harry Truman himself.”
“It is time for a new generation of leadership to cope, with new problems and new opportunities. For there is a new world to be won—a world of peace and goodwill, a world of hope and abundance. And I want America to lead the way to that new world.”
“Mr. Truman asks me if I think I am ready. And I am reminded that one hundred years ago, Abraham Lincoln—not yet President, and under fire from the veteran politicians—wrote these words: "I see the storm coming, and I know that His hand is in it. If He has a place and work for me, I believe that I am ready.”
“Today I say to you—in all humility—that if the people of this nation select me to be their President, I believe that I am ready.”
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