we are a party of innovation. we do not reject our traditions, but we are willing to adapt to changing circumstances, when change we must. we are willing to suffer the discomfort of change in order to achieve a better future. we have a positive vision of the future founded on the belief that the gap between the promise and reality of america can one day be finally closed.
we believe that.
this, my friends, is the bedrock of our concept of governing. this is a part of the reason why americans have turned to the democratic party. these are the foundations upon which a national community can be built. let's all understand that these guiding principles cannot be discarded for short-term political gains. they represent what this country is all about. they are indigenous to the american idea. and these are principles which are not negotiable.
in other times, i could stand here and give this kind of exposition on the beliefs of the democratic party and that would be enough. but today that is not enough. people want more. that is not sufficient reason for the majority of the people of this country to vote democratic. we have made mistakes. we realize that. in our haste to do all things for all people, we did not foresee the full consequences of our actions. and when the people raised their voices, we didn't hear. but our deafness was only a temporary condition, and not an irreversible condition.
even as i stand here and admit that we have made mistakes, i still believe that as the people of america sit in judgment on each party, they will recognize that our mistakes were mistakes of the heart. they'll recognize that.
and now we must look to the future. let us heed the voice of the people and recognize their common sense. if we do not, we not only blaspheme our political heritage, we ignore the common ties that bin