This quote is taken from a national address given by President Gerald Ford in 1974:

My conscience tells me clearly and certainly that I cannot prolong the bad dreams that continue to reopen a chapter that is closed. My conscience tells me that only I, as President, have the constitutional power to firmly shut and seal this book. My conscience tells me it is my duty, not merely to proclaim domestic tranquility but to use every means that I have to insure it. I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right.

What was the purpose of this speech to the American people?

to announce the resignation of vice president Spiro Agnew

to announce the American troops were being withdrawn from South Vietnam

to announce a pardon for Richard Nixon's crimes in the Watergate Scandal

to announce that he would not run for a full term in office

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History

Ainsley Drake

2 March, 08:01

This quote is taken from a national address given by President Gerald Ford in 1974:

My conscience tells me clearly and certainly that I cannot prolong the bad dreams that continue to reopen a chapter that is closed. My conscience tells me that only I, as President, have the constitutional power to firmly shut and seal this book. My conscience tells me it is my duty, not merely to proclaim domestic tranquility but to use every means that I have to insure it. I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right.

What was the purpose of this speech to the American people?

to announce the resignation of vice president Spiro Agnew

to announce the American troops were being withdrawn from South Vietnam

to announce a pardon for Richard Nixon's crimes in the Watergate Scandal

to announce that he would not run for a full term in office

+1

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Celeste Bowen · Answer 1

To announce the resignation of vice president Spiro Agnew. A.

Julia Watts · Answer 2

It seems to me that the President was giving a speech about resigning or leaving office. Although it is hard to know for sure giving the following answer options. The president talks about sealing a book and normally this metaphor is used when referring to one's self. Secondly, he speaks about public opinion polls. The most important public opinion polls that we have in the United States are for the presidential election when choosing between to presidential candidates. Or in this situation reelection. So to me it seems to me that this speech is a resignation speech.