My friends, I've been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I've been her servant first, last, and always. And I've never...
I've never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I didn't thank God for the privilege.
I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of its people.
I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again; I wasn't my own man anymore; I was my country's.
I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need.
My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.
My friends, if you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them.
Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an -- an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed.
Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier, because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him, that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. And with hard work -- with hard word, strong faith, and a little courage, great things are always within our reach.
Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up, and fight.
Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up.
We never quit. - John S. McCain
Soap Box Ravings, initially a lukewarm supporter of Senator McCain, listened to Senator McCain's speech with tears running down both cheeks.
Long ago, Soap Box Ravings learned that a man does not cry. Like many other cultural things learned in childhood, a lack of tears sticks with you. As I get older and continue to learn more about life some of the learning's of the past become modified and I find tears in my eyes more often.
Listening to Senator McCain's speech made me feel like I was listening to President John F. Kennedy giving his "Ask not" speech to the nation. I realize that Senator Obama likes to think he is patterned after JFK but he is not. President Kennedy had a long string of accomplishments while Senator Obama does not.
Following Senator McCain's speech, he has my complete support in his quest for the Presidency. He and Governor Palin make me feel that change can and will be done. Even more importantly, I believe they are the ones to accomplish it.
Vote, vote for McCain and Palin in 08
