original champion of our party, Abraham Lincoln,

was defeated in elections for the Senate and the House

before he won the most important election of all.

Lincoln ultimately prevailed, he saved our union,

and he defined our obligation as Americans

for all of history.

Speaking at Gettysburg of the great task remaining

before us, Lincoln said that we here highly resolve

that these dead shall not have died in vain,

that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom,

and the government of the people by the people

and for the people shall not perish from this earth.

So I ask you tonight to join me.

As we leave here, let us resolve that we will stand together.

Republicans, Democrats, and Independents

against those who would destroy our Republic.

They are angry and they are determined,

but they have not seen anything like the power

of Americans united in defense of our Constitution

and committed to the cause of freedom.

There is no greater power on this earth,

and with God's help, we will prevail.

...