Herb Block viewed the 1964 presidential campaign of Republican candidate Barry Goldwater as ruthless and extremist. Goldwater's support of ultra-conservatives contrasted with the long tradition of Republican moderates, which Block depicted as drowning. In his nomination acceptance speech on July 16, 1964, Goldwater said, "I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." The nation's overwhelming support for the Democratic candidate, Lyndon Johnson, tempered Goldwater's victory in the Republican Party.