Statement of Candidacy by Senator Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington D.C. on July 5, 1960.
"A few days from now we begin choosing our next national leadership.
The final choice will be made in November–by all the people. But what you have to choose between in November will be decided for you at the two national conventions.
I know this responsibility weighs heavily on the 6,000 Americans who are delegates. I am sure they have the prayers of the 179 million Americans for whom they will be acting.
But what matters most in July may count for very little in the long and perilous years beyond.
After July, the bandwagons will be silent. The dark horses will be out to pasture.
And we will stand face-to-face with whatever destiny this century holds for us–with one man, the one man we choose this year, standing out in front to lead us.
Unlike the Republican Party, our Democratic Party has always had open and free conventions–and our greatest leaders have been nominated at our freest conventions.
Democrats–Democratic delegates–are going to make up their minds together in convention, as they have done before.
The American Presidency itself has a far different role than it did when some began seeking to tie up those who will be convention delegates.
The choice we make in July–in both our parties–must take into account much that could not be seen six weeks or six days ago.
What all this may mean to individual men matters little. The party nominations are not “owed” to anyone.
My name will be placed in nomination at the Democratic Convention.
I understand that many will support my name on the first ballot–and a good many more on the second. Some of my supporters are even saying that by the third ballot votes for me may reach a majority
In their consideration, I shall be honored to have the delegates consider my candidacy
I am, as of this moment, a candidate. I’m a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the office of President of the United States."
