Tough message aims at those outside arena Party means to reassure swing vo

[papau]

http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040730/6413040s.htm

Tough message aims at those outside arena Party means to reassure swing voters
By Susan Page
USA TODAY


BOSTON -- The Democrats have gone to a war footing.

John Kerry accepted the nomination of his party Thursday night with a speech more muscular than any Democratic presidential nominee has given at a convention in four decades.

* Consider the images in the biographical video that introduced him: snapshots of a young Kerry squinting into the sun with the crew of the swift boat he captained in Vietnam, and of him standing ramrod-straight in a crisp white uniform as a Bronze Star was pinned on his chest.

* Consider the friend he chose to introduce him: former Georgia senator Max Cleland, a veteran who returned from Vietnam in a wheelchair, both legs and one arm blown off by a grenade.

* Consider the words he used in his speech: Strength. Tough. Fight. Defend. Force. Attack. Security.

''I'm John Kerry, and I'm reporting for duty,'' the Massachusetts senator said with a salute when he arrived on stage after a tumultuous, emotional ovation. He spoke conversationally but with force, pausing only briefly as the thousands of delegates repeatedly interrupted him with applause. He wore a dark suit and a red patterned tie, an American flag pin in his lapel. By the end of the speech, his face looked bathed in sweat.

''I defended this country as a young man, and I will defend it as president,'' he said. ''Let there be no mistake: I will never hesitate to use force when it is required. Any attack will be met with a swift and a certain response. I will never give any nation or any international institution a veto over our national security. And I will build a stronger military.'' To terrorists, he said: ''You will lose, and we will win.''<snip>

[Gin]

1. I know the swing vote is important..but I personally know republicans

who won't vote for shrub...but won't vote for kerry...they won't vote period....that may be another determining factor that will help us send that cowboy back to crawford.

[papau]

2. I hope all of the GOP stay home! - and no absentee ballots either!

:-)