The Dream Shall Never Die

In his address, Kennedy defended post-World War II liberalism, advocated for a national healthcare insurance model, criticized Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan, and implicitly rebuked incumbent president Jimmy Carter for his more moderate political stances.

The final majority spokesman was United States Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, whose words were drowned out by increasingly intense pro-Kennedy chants, which did not stop until Representative Barbara Mikulski introduced Kennedy, who himself was to make the minority's final economic comments.

[4] He opened his speech by conceding the end of his presidential campaign:[5] Well, things worked out a little different from the way I thought, but let me tell you, I still love New York!Kennedy criticized Ronald Reagan's ideas and nostalgically appealed to a defense of old liberal values:[6][7] The great adventures which our opponents offer is a voyage into the past.

The middle class may be angry, but they have not lost the dream that all Americans can advance together.Kennedy later developed his argument by displaying his role as a spokesperson for Democratic voters.

I have listened to the grandmother in East Oakland who no longer has a phone to call her grandchildren because she gave it up to pay the rent on her small apartment.

I have seen the closed factories and the stalled assembly lines of Anderson, Indiana and South Gate, California, and I have seen too many, far too many idle men and women desperate to work.

And may it be said of us, both in dark passages and in bright days, in the words of Tennyson that my brothers quoted and loved, and that have special meaning for me now: I am a part of all that I have met To [Though] much is taken, much abides That which we are, we are– One equal temper of heroic hearts Strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.Kennedy had been interrupted by cheers and applause a total of fifty-one times.

[14] The speech is considered the most famous of Kennedy's life and senatorial career and laid the foundation for the modern platform of the Democratic Party.

"[19] Kennedy also referenced his words during the endorsement he made for Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, saying, "the work begins anew, the hope rises again and the dream lives on".