7. Barry Goldwater—1964 Republican Convention Acceptance Speech

Barry Goldwater’s acceptance speech at the 1964 Republican National Convention boldly defended conservative principles during a time when they were still controversial within American politics.

His famous line, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice,” energized grassroots conservatives and laid the foundation for the movement that would later bring Ronald Reagan to power. Though Goldwater lost the election, his speech helped ignite the modern conservative resurgence.