Acceptance Speech to the Democratic National Convention by Governor Bill Clinton from Arkansas in New York, NY on July 16, 1992.
"My fellow delegates and my fellow Americans, I am so proud of Al Gore. (Applause)
He said he came here tonight because he always wanted to do the warm-up for Elvis. Well, I ran for President this year for one reason and one reason only: I wanted to come back to this convention and finish that speech I started four years ago. (Applause)
I salute the good men who were my companions on the campaign trial: Tom Harkin (Applause), Bob Kerrey (Applause), Doug Wilder (Applause), Jerry Brown (Applause), and Paul Tsongas (Applause).
And so, in the name of all those who do the work and pay the taxes, raise the kids, and play by the rules, in the name of the hardworking Americans who make up our forgotten middle class, I proudly accept your nomination for President of the United States.
Somewhere at this very moment a child is being born in America. Let it be our cause to give that child a happy home, a healthy family and a hopeful future. Let it be our cause to see that that child has a chance to live to the fullest of her God-given capacities. (Applause)
Let it be our cause to see that child grow up strong and secure, braced by her challenges but never struggling alone, with family and friends and a faith that in America, no one is left out; no one is left behind. (Applause)
Let it be our cause that when this child is able, she gives something back to her children, her community and her country. Let it be our cause that we give this child a country that is coming together, not coming apart, a country of boundless hopes and endless dreams, a country once again lifts its people and inspires the world. Let that be our cause our commitment and our New Covenant. (Applause)
My fellow Americans, I end tonight where it all began for me- I still believe in a place called Hope. God bless you, and God Bless America."
