COMMENT BY NIXON

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 13

COMMENT BY NIXON

“Not Rich Man’s Candidate” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) CHICAGO, July 28. Mr Nixon told reporters early today after his convention victory: “You know, I’m not the rich man’s candidate.’’ Sitting in his hotel suite, surrounded by his family, Mr Nixon said: “I can only say as I sit here with my mother and my wife and my two daughters that

I never thought when I was their age growing up in a grocery store . . . that I would be here like this.” Recalling that he was chosen eight years ago to run for election with President Eisenhower, he continued: “When, I think of the splendid record he has made in every way, and particularly the dignity and decency and immense goodwill he has brought to the office of the Presidency, I realise that for any man, be it Mr Kennedy or myself, to follow in his footsteps will be a tremendous responsibility and a challenge which will be very difficult for us to meet” A reporter asked him: “Why do you want to be President?” Mr Nixon paused and then said: “Well, I never thought it was something that someone sought I never dreamed I would be here. But then 1 never dreamed I would be Vice-President. You do the best you can and the jobs come to you.” He added: “It seems that a nation has a destiny and that a man has a destiny. I know I have had breaks that others didn’t have.” . He pledged to rtry to do nothing that will hurt the nation” during the campaign, but he promised to wage a vigorous fight in what may be the “closest election ft this century."