On January 4, 1972, Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-Me) announced his decision to seek the office of President of the United States..
"I am seeking the Presidency . . . not merely to change presidents, but to change the country. I intend to lead -- to ask you to make America what it was to Abraham Lincoln -- “The last best hope of mankind.” I intend to ask you to try – and to be willing to try again if we fail. And I intend to ask everyone of you to pay a fair share of the costs of a decent society.
Ultimately, of course, what is at stake is your future. I am not telling you that I can guarantee the best of all possible worlds. All I am asking is that we pledge a new beginning."
