"This nation is determined: we will stay in the fight until the fight is won. (Applause.)
"My opponent agrees with all this -- except when he doesn't. (Laughter.) Last week in our debate, he once again came down firmly on every side of the Iraq war....
"He said he wants to hold a summit meeting, so he can invite other countries to join what he calls "the wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time." (Laughter and applause.)
"He said terrorists are pouring across the Iraqi border, but also said that fighting those terrorists is a diversion from the war on terror. (Laughter.) You hear all that and you can understand why somebody would make a face....
"My opponent has also announced the Kerry doctrine, declaring that American actions in the war on terror must pass a "global test." (Audience: Booo!)
"Under this test, America would not be able to act quickly against threats, because we'd be sitting around waiting for our grade from other nations and other leaders. (Laughter.)
"My opponent says he has a plan for Iraq. Parts of it should sound pretty familiar -- it's already known as the Bush plan. (Laughter and applause.) Senator Kerry suggests we train Iraqi troops, which we've been doing for months. Just this week, Iraqi forces backed by coalition troops fought bravely to take the city of Samarra from the terrorists and Baathists and insurgents. (Applause.) Senator Kerry -- Senator Kerry is proposing that we have -- that Iraq have elections. (Laughter.) Those elections are already scheduled for January. (Laughter and applause.) He wants the U.N. to be involved in those elections. Well, the U.N. is already there....
"The race for President is a contest for the future, and you know where I stand. I'm running for President to keep this nation on the offensive against terrorists, with the goal of total victory. I'm running -- (applause) -- I'm running for President to keep this economy moving so every worker has a good job and quality health care and a secure retirement. (Applause.) I'm running for President to make our nation a more compassionate society, where no one is left out, where every life matters.
"I have a hopeful vision. I believe this young century will be liberty's century. We'll promote liberty abroad, protect our country and build a better world beyond the war on terror. We'll encourage liberty at home to spread the prosperity and opportunity of America to every corner of our country. I will carry this message to my fellow citizens in the closing days of this campaign, and with your help, we will win a great victory on November the 2nd. God bless. God bless our great country." (Applause.)
