Dukakis recalled an America of vicious racism and segregation, poverty, and high school dropout rates far surpassing those of today, and he scoffed at those who might try to forget that “the good old days” also had their share of today’s concerns, such as violence and teen pregnancy.

Dukakis often referred to his 1988 run for the presidency against George Bush, even explaining why he thought he had lost the race.

He cited his campaign’s unwillingness to respond to character attacks and mudslinging by the George H.W. Bush campaign as one of the greatest regrets of his political career.

“I lost against George Bush. Can you believe it? If I had beaten that guy, you wouldn’t have heard of the [Bush family] again,” he said.

Since his retirement from politics in 1990, Dukakis has since been active in public speaking, teaching, and advocating high speed railway systems as a solution for America’s congested airports.

Dukakis, on the board of directors of Amtrak, cajoled the audience with his own transportation dilemmas, and affirmed that Congress has not given due attention to the issue of funding efficient transit systems.

In one of his most direct comments to the audience, Dukakis implored the audience to pursue community involvement and politics.

“You folks have to get involved in the process and work your way up and establish yourself. Guys like me are looking for people like you,” he said.