As A Man Of The Congress, Let

History And Experience Tell Us That Moral Progress Comes Not In Comfortable And Complacent Times, But Out Of Trial And Confusion.

The Veto Is A President's Constitutional Right, Given To Him By The Drafters Of The Constitution Because They Wanted It As A Checkagainst Irresponsible Congressional Action. The Veto Forces Congress To Take Another Look At Legislation That Has Been Passed. I Think This Is A Responsible Tool For A President Of The United States, And I Have Sought To Use It Responsibly.

If You Have Not Chosen Me By Secret Ballot, Neither Have I Gained Office By Any Secret Promises. I Have Not Campaigned Either For The Presidency Or The Vice Presidency. I Have Not Subscribed To Any Partisan Platform. I Am Indebted To No Man, And Only To One Womanmy Dear Wifeas I Begin This Very Difficult Job.

Obviously, It's A Great Privilege And Pleasure To Be Here At The Yale Law School Sesquicentennial Convocation. And I Defy Anyone To Say That And Chew Gum At The Same Time.

I Am Acutely Aware That You Have Not Elected Me As Your President By Your Ballots, So I Ask You To Confirm Me With Your Prayers.