Convention to introduce Kerry to U.S.

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Democratic Party leaders officially will present Sen. John Kerry to the American people later this month in Boston, elaborately packaged as a war hero, family man and world leader.

The overriding theme of the four-day convention, which begins July 26, will be "Stronger at Home; Respected in the World."

The convention also will provide a national introduction and platform for Mr. Kerry, Massachusetts Democrat, and his running mate, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.

"The 2004 Democratic Convention will tell the life stories of John Kerry and John Edwards to the nation -- the story of their lifetime of service to the nation and fight for average Americans, and their vision for a stronger and more secure America," said Bill Richardson, a chairman of the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

"We believe in a nation that is stronger at home, respected in the world, and this convention will showcase the team that Americans can trust to always be on their side to achieve that goal," the New Mexico governor said.

Party officials yesterday released the first detailed plans for their nominating convention, in which they hope to "fill in the blanks for voters about the presumptive presidential nominee."

"We will use these four days in Boston to introduce John Kerry and John Edwards to Americans," Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman Terry McAuliffe said.

Republican National Committee communications director Jim Dyke promised to monitor the convention and provide the public with the "real record" of the candidates.

"It will take an extreme makeover of John Kerry and the Democrat Party's rhetoric to make both presentable to Americans," Mr. Dyke said. "For four days, the Boston convention will serve as the Democrat's great salon."

Speakers will include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore, all of whom will "outline John Kerry's proven leadership, real experience and optimistic vision to strengthen America," according to the party release.