" The Dream Shall Never Die " was a speech delivered by United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention on August 12 , 1980 . In the address , Kennedy defended post-World War II liberalism , advocated for a national healthcare insurance model , criticized retired Hollywood actor and Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan , and implicitly rebuked incumbent President Jimmy Carter ( to whom he had conceded the Democratic nomination only the night before ) for his more moderate political stances . It has been remembered by some as Kennedy 's best speech , and one of the most influential orations of the era
Democratic National Convention
1980 Democratic National Convention
The Dream Shall Never Die