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He paused for a dramatic moment.

“The decision, I think, was not an easy one. The citizens of our great democracy are not sheep, to be led first this way and then that; they are not dead leaves to be carried by every vagrant breeze that blows; they are not children, nor are they fools.”

He looked searchingly from the screen, as though to see into the minds of every person watching.

“Do not mistake my meaning,” he said levelly. “I do not mean that there are no fools among us. There are.” Again he paused for effect. “Every man, every woman, who, through laziness or neglect or complacency, failed to make his desire known at the polls in this election–is a fool. Every citizen who thinks that his vote doesn’t count for much, and therefore fails to register that vote–is a fool. Every person who accepts the privileges of American citizenship and considers them as rights, and who neglects the duties of citizenship because they are tiresome–is a fool.”

He waited for half a second.

“Fortunately for us all, the fools are in a minority in our country. This election shows that. Most of you have done your duty and followed your conscience as you see fit. And I congratulate you for that.”

The smile became less broad–by just the right amount.

“Four years ago, exercising that same privilege and duty, you, the citizens of the United States, honored me and those who were working with me by electing us to the highest offices in this nation. You elected us, I believe, because we made certain promises to you–solemn promises that were made in our platform four years ago.”

He took a deep breath and folded his hands below his chin.

“I am certain that you all know we have endeavored to keep those promises. I am certain that you know that we have kept faith with the people of this nation.”

He looked down for a moment, then looked up again.

“This year, in our platform, we made more promises. We outlined a program that we felt would be of the greatest benefit to this nation.” He unclasped his hands and spread them with an open gesture.

“Senator James Cannon and his party have also made promises–promises which, I am sure, they, too, feel are best for our nation.”

Another pause.

“You, the citizens of the United States, have, in the past few months, carefully weighed these promises against one another–weighing not only the promises themselves, but the integrity and the ability of the men who made them.

“And you have made your choice.

“I cannot, and do not, quarrel with that choice. It is the essence of democratic government that disagreements in the upper echelons of that government shall be resolved by the action and the will of the governed. You, the people of the United States, have done just that.

“And–for that, I thank you.”

A final hesitation.

“Next January, Senator James Harrington Cannon will be inaugurated as President of the United States. Let us show him, and the men who are to work with him, that we, as citizens of this great nation, resolving our differences, will strive unceasingly under his administration to further the high resolves and great ideals of our country.

“I believe–I know–that you are all with me in this resolution, and, for that, too,–

“–I thank you.”

The face of the President of the United States faded from the screen.

* * * * *

After a few seconds, Matson sighed. “Not bad at all, really,” he said, stepping over to shut off the set. “He’s been taking lessons from you, Jim. But he just hasn’t quite got it.”

Senator Cannon took another swallow of his drink and said nothing.

“Sincerity,” said Governor Spanding. “That’s what’s lacking. He hasn’t got it, and the voters can feel it.”

“He managed to be elected President of the United States on it,” Senator Cannon said dryly.