Mayor Lindsay Press Conference [Goldberg Endorsement]

Republican New York City Mayor John Lindsay, citing "an ominous political trend" in Albany, endorses the Democratic ticket for Governorship of Arthur Goldberg and Basil Paterson, both of whom speak afterward.

(The day before, Governor Nelson Rockefeller, increasingly estranged from Mr. Lindsay, urged him to "sit out" any endorsements.)

A question and answer session follows, much of it focusing on whether this is a move by the mayor towards democratic membership or even towards a 1972 presidential campaign, during which Mayor Lindsay continues to refer to his statement, which, he states frequently, "speaks for itself."

Arthur Goldberg also repeatedly refers to his statement, and calls Lindsay's endorsement "courageous."

Following is the text of the statement made by Mayor Lindsay in endorsing Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Paterson:

I am endorsing Arthur Goldberg and Basil Paterson.

I do so because they have expressed the strongest commitment to the battle for urban progress. They offer the best chance to end our annual role as the beggar for survival in Albany.

The dominant forces in Albany have been anchored to the past. They have resisted change every step of the way and now they must yield to new leadership more responsive to local government.

Moreover, at this time in history, Arthur Goldberg and Basil Paterson are the state's only hope for resisting what in my judgment is an ominous political trend to the right away from the progressive tradition of our state.

Across the country, there are men who seek political gain by attacks that polarize our people rather than confront their real fears and legitimate grievances. Others condone this politics of division by their silence.

In New York, the Goldberg-Paterson team is the one gubernatorial ticket which stands against that threat. They understand that the leadership of this state must speak out against national policies that jeopardize peace, continue irrational priorities and endanger the right to disagree.

I am a Republican and I intend to remain a Republican. I am supporting two Republicans for statewide office —Senator [Charles E.] Goodell and Attorney General [Louis J.] Lefkowitz. But my endorsements of them, like my endorsement today of two Democrats, are based on principles more important than party.

I believe we are entering a new age of political independence. Last year I asked voters to respond to ideas and ideals, not to outworn party structures. Arthur Goldberg was among those who stood above party then. I am convinced by the issues in this campaign that independence is just as important now.

Some have counseled me to stand on the sidelines. But silence, when fundamental principles are at stake, is unacceptable. History warns us against silence. If concerned men fail to fight for their convictions, they lose the battle for the future.

That is why I speak up today for Arthur Goldberg and Basil Paterson.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 151447
Municipal archives id: T7645