KWENU: Our Culture, Our Future

US Democratic Party kicks off its national convention

 ACHO ORABUCHI

Dallas, Texas

aorabuchi@netzero.net

Wednesday, August 4, 2004

Pomp and pageantry greeted the Democrats at Fleet Center in Boston Massachusetts as they kicked off their four-day National Convention on Monday, July 26, 2004. As the Democratic National Chairman, Mr. Terry McAuliffe, declared the 44th Democratic National Convention open the presumptive Democratic nominee, John Kerry was campaigning in Florida.

The Democratic National Convention, estimated to cost about $39 million, serves as a platform for the Democrats to showcase policy differences with the Republicans under the theme of “Stronger at home, respected in the world”.

The prime-time speakers for the opening night included former vice president, Al Gore, former presidents, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Senator Hillary Clinton introduced her husband, Bill Clinton.

The former president, Bill Clinton electrified the Fleet Center and brought over 5,000 attendees to their feet with a captivating speech. Prior to his speech, his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton introduced him. At the podium, she commented on why Senator Kerry is qualified to be commander in chief. She said, Clinton "John Kerry is a serious man for a serious job in a serious time in our country's history.”

When Bill Clinton took over the crowd, he touched on several policy differences between the Democrats and the Republicans while bolstering the status of John Kerry, particularly Kerry-Edwards ticket. He said, "Their opponents will tell you we should be afraid of John Kerry and John Edwards because they won't stand up to terrorists. Don't you believe it.” “Strength and wisdom are not opposing values," he added.

In keeping to the sub theme of the convention, speaker after speaker focused on it—the Kerry-Edwards plan for America’s future. In talking about the future, the former vice president, Al Gore reminded the Democrats about the 2000 elections, specifically what happened in Florida State. “I have not come here to talk about the past … I prefer to focus on the future,” Gore said.

He stressed the importance each vote and who is elected president—the impact on the entire nation. He said, “You win some, you lose some, and then there's that little-known third category.” “Take it from me, every vote counts,” Gore advised in reference to vote fight in Florida in 2000. “Let’s make sure this time, every vote is counted,” he said. He cautioned the voters about presidential election. He said, “What happens in a presidential election matters at lot.” “Is our country more united today or divided,” he asked.

Former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Jimmy Carter, who delivered a more pointed speech said, “Our country faces challenges at home involving energy, taxation, environment, education, and health. With these challenges, we need new leaders in Washington.”

In speaking about America’s standing in the world, Carter said, "Truth is the foundation of our global leadership, but our credibility has been shattered, and we are left increasingly isolated and vulnerable in a hostile world."

"In the world at large, we cannot lead if our leaders mislead," Carter added.

Carter offered, "I am confident that next January [Kerry] will restore the judgment and responsibility that is sorely lacking today."

“I say to you and to others around the world, whether they wish us well or ill: do not underestimate us Americans. We lack neither strength nor wisdom. There is a road that leads to a bright and hopeful future. What America needs is leadership. Our job, my fellow Americans, is to ensure that the leaders of this great country will be John Kerry and John Edwards,” Carter concluded.