GORE: Good evening. I am proud to be here on this stage tonight, and to say that you made this happen. You made the decision to keep America strong, to keep her prosperous, and to keep her moving forward into the new Millenia. It is the legacy of those who came before us that we inherit now. A legacy of independence, of vigilance, and equality. I am proud to bear the weight of that legacy tonight.
As we go forward into the 21st Century, it is imperative that we uphold America’s great legacy, while evolving and transforming into a modern nation. Joe and I have both worked long and hard over the last eleven months to make that dream a reality. We have visited the heartland of America, from sea to shining sea. And every stop we made, we saw optimism. Hope. I am proud to say that opportunity is still very much alive in these United States of America.
It is time to heal the divide among people, both here and all over the world. Those differences exist in the disparity among races, among genders, among the ruralite and the city dweller, and yes, among Democrats and Republicans. It exists in families, where awkward political conversations are silenced in the fear that another may be offended. It exists in our Universities and our boardrooms, among the private sector and the government.
We did not want this divide to happen. But it has come to us now, and we stare at it, eye to eye. Will we let discrimination, bigotry, hate defeat us? Or will we rise up as one people, one America, one nation made up of many different ideas and races and classes and nationalities, to say, “No, hate. Not here. Not today.”
In order to continue the growth of our country, of our people, we will create new jobs. We will support the working people who make up the families of our nation. Special interest groups shall no longer hold power over the dinner table. We will not give tax cuts to the wealthy. We will support those in need, through healthcare, through education, and through the civil service. That is how we will move America forward.
Almost a century and a half ago, Senator Stephen Douglas told Abraham Lincoln, who had just defeated him for the Presidency, “Partisan feeling must yield to Patriotism.”
In that same spirit, I say to my Republican colleagues… In the Federal government, and in the State houses across America… It is time to end the divide. I will reach my hand across the aisle, and together, we shall bring our nation forward. Our differences must now be put aside. Only together can this nation function. Only together can this nation look to the future.
I want to congratulate Mr. Buchanan on a hard fought race. This evening I have received a call from Pat. He wished me well and congratulated me on my victory. May God bless him and his family. I assured him that in the weeks and months to follow, I will call on him to help bridge the divide between the two parties. I appreciate everything he has done for this country.
I thank you for your love, for your prayers, and for your support. This is the beginning of America’s leap forward, into the future. We are one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good night, and God bless America!