Remarks made to the People of the Commonwealth at 12:30 P.M. on September 13, 1991 at the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia by Governor L. Douglas Wilder.
"I want to talk to you today about the future .... your future; your children's future; Virginia's future; America's future; and --- yes --- my future. Perhaps most importantly, I want to talk about the future of those Americans and Virginians who have continued to wait to enjoy the opportunities of those basic freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
After many months of deliberation and hours of private thought and reflection on my commitment to Virginia and my obligation to my country...
I have decided to run for President of the United States in 1992.
I ask for your patience, support and---above all---your prayers in this effort for Virginia and the nation.
The most wrenching and prayerful consideration in my decision has been my commitment and promise to Virginia.
Twenty months ago, I committed and promised Virginians that I would work to solve the pressing problems of Virginia and position Virginia for the future. I will not shirk from that commitment one iota, nor fall short on my promise one scintilla.
In seeking the Presidency, I recognize that I am the longest of long shots. I may not win. I may not get but a few votes.
But I would not be doing my job as Governor---indeed, I would not deserve to be who I am---if I failed to step forward at this critical juncture in our nation's history.
For if we fail to heal this nation in 1992, it may not be healed in my lifetime. If we fail to put this country on a sound fiscal posture in 1992, then order may not be restored in my lifetime.
If elected, I pledge to all of you that I will do everything in my power to heal the growing divisions among us; to restore economic vitality....so that more people can enter the middle class....and to secure peace around the world through American economic and military strength.
I want my legacy to be that I expanded the economic and political rights of all men and women;
.... and that --- as we enter the next century --- America will have secured peace and prosperity for those Americans who will work for it .... and for all countries who will join us in this quest.
May God bless you, the Commonwealth ... and may God bless America."
