Not long ago, I visited my favorite spot in Sacramento…the hallway where then-Governor Reagan’s picture hangs. I never walk through the Capitol without going there for inspiration, and I never fail to receive it. There were 2 things about Ronald Reagan that I can never forget: his effervescent smile and his optimistic message. I never saw him in person, but each time I saw him on TV, the part of my soul that belongs exclusively to my Country was always stirred. He made me proud to be an American. The last time I visited that portrait, I felt sad. I had just attended a RJC event at the Reagan library, where I reminisced on some of my fondest political memories, and I couldn’t help missing the days when President Reagan constantly reminded us of all the good things about America, and all the reasons to be hopeful about the future. We just don’t hear that message much anymore.
But tonight, I heard a message that reminded me of the Great Communicator. Here is an excerpt from Senator McCain’s speech tonight that I found especially moving:
We are the makers of history, not its victims.
Whatever the differences between us, so much more should unite us. And nothing should unite us more closely than the imperative of defeating an enemy who despises us, our values and modernity itself. We must all pull together in this critical hour and proclaim that the history of the world will not be determined by this unpardonable foe, but by the aspirations, ideals, faith and courage of free people. In this great, historic task, we will never surrender. They will.
The results of the other party’s primary is uncertain at this time, but I want to congratulate all the campaigns in both parties. I salute the supporters of all the candidates who worked so hard to achieve a success tonight and who believe so passionately in the promise of their candidate. And I want to assure them that though I did not have their support, and though we may disagree from time to time on how best to advance America’s interests and ideals, they have my genuine respect. For they have worked for a cause they believe is good for the country we all love, a cause greater than their self-interest.
I learned long ago that serving only oneself is a petty and unsatisfying ambition. But serve a cause greater than self-interest and you will know a happiness far more sublime than the fleeting pleasure of fame and fortune. For me that greater cause has always been my country, which I have served imperfectly for many years, but have loved without any reservation every day of my life. And however this campaign turns out — and I am more confident tonight that it will turn out much better than once expected — I am grateful beyond expression for the prospect that I might serve her a little while longer. That gratitude imposes on me the responsibility to do nothing in this campaign that would make our country’s problems harder to solve or that would cause Americans to despair that a candidate for the highest office in the land would think so little of the honor that he would put his own interests before theirs. I take that responsibility as my most solemn trust.
So, my friends, we celebrate one victory tonight and leave for Michigan tomorrow to win another. But let us remember that our purpose is not ours alone; our success is not an end in itself. America is our cause — yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Her greatness is our hope; her strength is our protection; her ideals our greatest treasure; her prosperity the promise we keep to our children; her goodness the hope of mankind. That is the cause of our campaign and the platform of my party, and I will stay true to it so help me God.