Bush, Gold & Water

Just who is George W. Bush's real political forefather? It was not his own father, nor was it the late Ronald Reagan. Rather, President Bush appears to emulate another famous Republican — Barry Goldwater, who ran for president back in 1964. Four decades ago, he outlined the current presidential agenda.

Editor's note: All quotes presented above are taken verbatim from Barry Goldwater's Acceptance Speech. Mr. Goldwater delivered the address in San Francisco on September 16, 1964 — at the 28th Republican National Convention, when he was selected as the 1964 Republican Presidential candidate.

The only change in the text is that, on three occasions marked by an *, the word "communism" has been replaced by "terrorism."

What is the global mission of the Republican Party?

“We must, and we shall, set the tide running again in the cause of freedom.”

And why is the United States destined for this mission?

“We Americans understand freedom. We have earned it, we have lived for it — and we have died for it."

How should other nations look at the United States?

"This nation and its people are freedom's model in a searching world. We can be freedom's missionaries in a doubting world."

How will the United States fulfill its one and only global test?

“What a destiny, what a destiny can be ours to stand as a great central pillar linking Europe, the Americans and the venerable and vital peoples and cultures of the Pacific.”

Will the road ahead be easy?

“I know that our freedom was achieved through centuries, by unremitting efforts by brave and wise men. I know that the road to freedom is a long and challenging road.”

How do you answer critics who argue the United States is turning itself into an empire?

“Our Republican cause is not to level out the world. Our Republican cause is to free our people and light the way for liberty throughout the world.”

Are there larger forces at work here?

“This Nation was founded upon the acceptance of God as the author of freedom.”

Still, should Americans be afraid?

“I believe that the terrorism* which boasts it will bury us will, instead give way to the forces of freedom.”

Deep down, why are you a Republican?

“This party, with its every action, every word, every breath and every heartbeat has but a single resolve, and that is freedom — freedom under a government limited by laws of nature and of nature’s God.”

What is the key domestic challenge that needs to be overcome?

“Rather than useful jobs in our country, people have been offered bureaucratic “make work,” rather than moral leadership, they have been given bread and circuses, spectacles — and yes, they have even been given scandals.”

How do you intend to achieve that mind change?

“The Republican cause demands that we brand terrorism* as a principal disturber of peace in the world today. Indeed, we should brand it as the only significant disturber of the peace.

Why will the world follow your lead?

"We must make it clear that until its goals of conquest are absolutely renounced and its rejections with all nations tempered, terrorism* and the governments it now controls are enemies of every man on earth who is not — or wants to be — free."

What gives you the confidence that Republicans will rule America for the next decades?

“The good Lord raised this mighty Republic to be a home for the brave and to flourish as the land of the free.”

And finally, what motto gives you the inner strength to withstand your critics?

"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."
At the time of Mr. Goldwater's speech, George W. Bush was 18 years old — and attended Yale University.