Remarks Prepared for Delivery by Senator Tom Harkin at the Harkin Steak Fry on September 15, 1991.
"Are you ready?
Are you ready for a new direction in this country?
Are you ready for a president who will declare a peace dividend and turn Star Wars into Star Schools?
Are you ready for a president who will give the middle class a break instead of tax breaks to the rich?
Are you ready for a president who will make America our most favored nation and educated children our most important product?
If that's the kind of leader you want, let me introduce myself: I'm Tom Harkin. And I'm running for President.
I'm running for president because I believe the American people are hungry for a New Vision of America. A New Vision of America based on strong, fundamental, enduring values.
The values that my parents gave to me and your parents gave to you.
You know, the older I get, and the more I learn, the more I realize that all I ever needed to know I learned growing up in the small town of Cumming, Iowa -- population 151, up the dusty road about 20 miles north of here.
I believe there are people in every city and town who share that New Vision, who are ready to roll up their sleeves, put the axe to the grindstone, and make it happen.
If you're ready for that kind of America, then give me your support, and together, we'll put a good, common sense, progressive Democrat in the White House."
