Senator Kerry addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver
DENVER - Senator John Kerry spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Wednesday evening.
There is a video of Senator Kerry's speech at this link or at the home page of the www.johnkerry.com website.
The following are his remarks as prepared for delivery.
Four years ago, you gave me the honor of fighting our fight.
I was proud to stand with you then, and I am proud to stand with you now, to help elect Barack Obama as President of the United States. In 2004 we came so close to victory. We are even closer now and let me tell you - this time we're going to win.Today, the call for change is more powerful than ever - and with more seats in Congress, with more seats in Congress, with more people with more passion engaged in our politics, and with a President Obama, we stand on the brink of the greatest opportunity of our generation to move this country forward.
The stakes could not be higher because we do know what a McCain Administration would look like.
Just like the past. Just like George Bush; and this country can't afford a third Bush term.
Just think: John McCain voted with George Bush 90% of the time - 90% of George Bush is just more than we can take.
Never in modern history has an administration squandered American power so recklessly.
Never has strategy been so replaced by ideology - never has extremism so crowded out common sense and fundamental American values. Never has short-term partisan politics so depleted the strength of America's bipartisan foreign policy.
George Bush, with John McCain at his side, promised to spread freedom, but delivered the wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time.
They misread the threat and misled the country. Instead of freedom, it's Hamas, Hezbollah, the Taliban, and dictators everywhere that are on the march. North Korea can build more bombs, and Iran is defiantly chasing one.
Our mission is to restore America's influence and position in the world. We must use all the weapons in our arsenal - above all, our values.
President Obama and Vice President Biden will shut down Guantanamo, respect the Constitution and make clear once and for all, the United States of America does not torture, not now, not ever.
We must listen and lead by example because even as a nation as powerful as the United States needs some friends in this world. We need a leader who understands all our security challenges: not just bombs and guns, but global warming, global terror and global AIDS. And Barack Obama understands there is no way for America to be secure until we create clean energy here at home - not with a little more oil in 10, 20 or 30 years, but with an energy revolution starting right now!
I have known and been friends with John McCain for almost 22 years. But every day now I learn something new about candidate McCain.
To those who still believe in the myth of a maverick instead of the reality of a politician: I say, let's compare Senator McCain to candidate McCain.
Candidate McCain now supports the wartime tax cuts that Senator McCain once called irresponsible.
Candidate McCain criticizes Senator McCain's own climate change bill.
Candidate McCain says he would now vote against the immigration bill that Senator McCain wrote.
Are you kidding? Talk about being for it before you're against it!
Let me tell you, before he ever debates Barack Obama, John McCain should finish the debate with himself.
And what's more, Senator McCain, who once railed against the smears of Karl Rove when he was the target, has morphed into candidate McCain who is using the same Rove tactics and the same Rove staff to repeat the same old politics of fear and smear.
Well, not this year. Not this time.
The Rove-McCain tactics are old and outworn, and America will reject them in 2008.
So remember - when we choose a commander-in-chief this November, we are electing judgment and character, not years in the Senate or years on this earth. Time and again, Barack Obama has seen farther, thought harder, and listened better - and time and time again, Barack Obama has been proven right.
John McCain stood on the deck of an aircraft carrier just three months after 9/11 and proclaimed: "Next up, Baghdad!"
Barack Obama had the judgment to see "an occupation of undetermined length, undetermined cost, and undetermined consequences" that would "only fan the flames of the Middle East."
Well, guess what? Mission Accomplished!
So who can we trust to keep America safe?
When Barack Obama promised to honor the best traditions of both parties and talk to our enemies John McCain scoffed. George Bush called it: "The false comfort of appeasement." But today, Bush's diplomats are doing exactly what Obama said: talking with Iran.
So who can we trust to keep America safe?
When democracy rolled out of Russia and the tanks rolled into Georgia, we saw John McCain respond immediately with the outdated thinking of the cold war. Barack Obama responded like a true friend of Georgia and a statesman of the 21st Century.
So who can we trust to keep America safe?
When Democrats called for a timetable to make Iraqis stand up for Iraq and bring our heroes home, John McCain called it "Cut and Run." But today, even President Bush has seen the light: He and Prime Minister Maliki agree on - guess what? - a timetable!
So who can we trust to keep America safe?
The McCain Bush republicans have been wrong again, and again, and again. And they know they will lose on the issues.
So, the candidate who once promised a campaign of ideas, not insults, now has nothing left but personal attacks.
How insulting to suggest that those who question the mission, question the troops?
How pathetic to suggest that those who question a failed policy doubt America itself?
How desperate to tell the son of a single mother who chose community service over money and privilege that he doesn't put America first?
No one can question Barack Obama's patriotism. Like all of us, he was taught what it means to be an American by his family. His grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line in World War II. His grandfather who marched in Patton's Army. And his great uncle who enlisted in the Army right out of high school at the height of the war, and on a spring day in 1945, he helped liberate one of the concentration camps at Buchenwald.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Barack Obama's uncle is here with us tonight. Please join me in saluting this American hero, Charlie Payne. Charlie, your nephew, Barack Obama, will end this politics of distortion and division. He will be a president who seek, not to perfect the lies of swiftboating, but to end them once and for all.
This election is a chance for America to tell the merchants of fear and division: You don't decide who love this country.
You don't decide who is a patriot.
You don't decide whose service counts and whose doesn't.
Four years ago I said - and I say it again tonight - that flag doesn't belong to any ideology. It doesn't belong to any political party. It is an enduring symbol of our nation and it belongs to all the American people.
After all, patriotism is not love of power; or some cheap trick to win votes - patriotism is love of country.
Years ago when we protected a war, people would weigh in against us saying: "My country right or wrong." Our answer?
Absolutely, my country right or wrong. When right, keep it right. When wrong, make it right.
Sometimes loving your country demands you must tell the truth to power. This is one of those times, and Barack Obama is telling those truths.
In closing, let me say, I will always remember how we stood together in 2004 - not just in a campaign, but for a cause.
Now again, we stand together in the ranks, ready to fight.
The choice is clear, our cause is just, and now is our time to make Barack Obama the next President of the United States of America.
Thank you.
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43 Comments
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Dear John:
Your speech was the best of them all! Yes, even better than Bill Clinton. You were robbed last election and I still hold a grudge for that. There isn’t much room in my life for grudges and dislike, but that “Swift Boating” just won’t go away. They say, “what goes around, comes around,” and I am waiting impatiently for that to happen. I believe it will, and I will be there cheering.
Thank you for always being there for out great nation and in my heart you are one of the greatest patriots we have.
John, you kicked major ass tonight - THANK YOU - best speech I’ve ever heard you give - best speech of the convention so far, and there’s been some good ones
I was so proud to see you last night. I wish you well in your race for the Senate. Of all the votes for President I cast (starting in 1984) without question I am proudest of the one I cast for you in 2004. It was a pleasure meeting you that year. You made me proud last night. Thanks!
Thank you for the most beautiful speech of the night.
Senator Kerry:
If your speech last night does not compel every Clinton Democrat, Independent, Undecided, and ashamed Republican—and for that matter, every American to vote and vote Democratic in this election, we can only pray your colleague Senator Obama in that Stadium tonight will.
You could not have been clearer or more spot-on.
The press is asleep again, they’re not talking about your words much this morning, but you absolutely delivered the important messages to the American public. Many of us heard every eloquent and truthful word.
Oh wait a minute, Pat Buchanan just mentioned you… Maybe MSNBC read my e-mail. Thank God for C-Span and for guys like you still working for us.
I agree completely with the previous five writers. John Kerry gave the best speech of the night. If it had not been for election fraud, he would be President today and this country and the world would be a much better place!
This was the best speech of the night, by far. It was so great to see you speaking at the Convention once again. I still believe you are the rightful winner of the 2004 election, but admire how you are fighting to help Obama gain the White House. Thanks for being the brightest light in one of the darkest times of our country.
Senator Kerry,
I have had the great pleasure of watching the DNC convention on PBS and have been moved tremendously by the speeches presented. However, put simply, your speech ROCKED-THE BEST SPEECH!!! You had me on my feet! Your arguments were well-crafted and logical! Your energy was infectious and all consuming!! You left no stone unturned! The feelings I experienced during your great speech were akin to an orgasm! Rock on my brother, rock on!!! Let’s go Dem’s!!
What a GREAT speech! The best of the night! I would like to know why I had to scramble to CSPAN when every other network decided to completely ignore the fact that you were speaking, choosing to blab on about Bill Clinton who used a lot of words to say nothing. Even this morning not a word about the most intelligent, well thought, eloquent, stirring message of the convention!
I came here searching for a place where I could email Senator Kerry to compliment him and thank him for an outstanding speech last nigh at the convention.
Although I no longer live in Massachusetts, I still have immense respect for John Kerry.
I also want to say thank you for taking a stand and endorsing Obama right out of the gate.
That really meant a lot!
BEST SPEECH EVER!
Way to go, Senator. You did an awesome job. You Rocked the house!
Thank you so much for the best speech of the night.
Your speech was awesome! It was the best of the night and was so on message. If the major networks missed it, they missed the coup de grace! Thanks to CSPAN I didn’t and you made all the difference for me.
Dear John:
As a first time voter I must say your speech sealed my vote for Barack Obama in November. You were intelligent, honest, and aggressive. I liked that you brought up the “Two Faces of John McCain"(an ad just waiting to happen since he seems happy to use Democrats words against Obama, if you go back and look at old video clips the New McCain could have a debate with the old one. Anyone who sees those clips will have to ask themselves, “Does experience automatically transfer to wise and consistent leadership?”
Especially since it seems McCain has more arguments with himself than Democrats in general.
Anyways, I want to thank you for varifying my decision that Barack Obama is the right choice, the choice we need.
Dear John Kerry, You were brilliant last night. Thank you very much for pointing out with such elegant prose, the two-faced behavior of the republican candidate for president. And thank you for fighting the lies and smears that keep our party out of office. Mary
Senator Kerry,
You gave an excellent speech last night. Thank you for reminding the nation once again what a huge mistake it was to re-elect President Bush in 2004. We have suffered so much as a result of that mistake and I’m confident that your speech yesterday would help prevent another such mistake in this election. I salute you for your dedication to the democratic party.
You nailed it! I was so happy that FINALLY someone was taking McCain to task on his lack of judgement and credibility! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
Sen. Kerry, your speech was great. I have a question for anyone who has the answer. Is it true Sen. Obama used the Koran to be sworn in as senator rather than the Bible? I heard if elected president, he’ll use the Koran instead of the Bible to be sworn in. I know rumors link him with terrorists, but I want to know the truth about all this.
Debbie in Michigan, that is absolutely false. Sen. Obama is a Christian and has never been a Muslim. It’s ridiculous how many people actually fall for such silly, baseless rumors.
Sen. Kerry, as citizen of the world, though not of the USA, I have been following the Democratic convention in anticipation of a presidential nominee that will help restore America’s damaged standing around the globe. Outside the USA, we, too, have felt the repercussions of a Bush administration and we cannot WAIT to be rid of a short-sighted Republican in charge of the White House. Your speech last night was the best I have seen at the convention thus far and I felt compelled to visit your website and thank you for saying exactly what needed to be said. You were exceptional. Brilliant. From halfway around the planet, I salute you and look forward to seeing more of your good work in the Obama/Biden administration.
Senator,
THAT is the John Kerry I busted my ass for for two years. Outstanding job. I expected no less.
I’m proud of you, boss.
Senator Kerry,
Your speech last night was not only brilliantly crafted but brilliantly executed!!! I think it was a travesty in journalistic integrity for those so-called “news” networks to largely ignore you and your speech.
Your Sen. McCain vs. Candidate McCain was extraordinarily clever and precise. Your passion and energy was absolutely contagious. You received a standing ovation from everyone is this Floridian’s home last night.
And I have no doubt your speech tonight will trump the entire Republican National Convention.
Thank you for your loyal service to this great country and thank you for your phenomenal speech.
Senator Kerry:
I’ve been watching the convention on C-Span all week and last night your speech kicked butt. My husband (a Vietnam Vet too) said yours was the best speech he’s heard yet. If I was Obama, I would definitely take some clips from your speech to use against McCain’s negative ads.
Thank you for your service to our country! We need more true patriots like you.
Senator Kerry, I supported you greatly in ‘04. Your ‘04 convention speech was spectacular. Your speech last night was equally spectacular. Hopefully, enough Americans have awakened and will see the light. Best regards.
Dear Senator Kerry,
Thank you for your passionate, inspiring, emblazoned speech last night.
You didn’t pull any punches and said what needed to be said brilliantly.
With all due respect to the other speakers, I thought your speech was by far the most powerful and heartfelt of the evening.
I am very proud to be one of your long time supporters.
Sincerely,
Sandy
Sir,
An outstanding speech...it moved me intellectually and emotionally and had me bursting with urgency and enthusiasm for the Democratic cause. While I can’t vote in the US election, I have been blown away by the commitment and excellence of politicians and public figures in the US who challenge the powerful GOP machine. Your’s is such an important and outstanding contribution to that fight. Thank you thank you thank you for your persistence, persuasion and commitment. OBama 08!
Best. Speech. Ever.
Thanks for standing up to those who question anyone’s patriotism that might be against the war. (how soon we forget the divisivness and waste of the Vietnam war and the loss of life on both sides) . I hope what you presented in your speech gets repeated and heard throughout this campaign. Thanks for all of your service. I apologize for the Vets who minimised one of the most dangerous assignments in Vietnam. I will always keep you in my prayers.
“Let me tell you, before he ever debates Barack Obama, John McCain should finish the debate with himself.”
This line sent me into peals of laughter! Great speech!! Thanks SO much
)))
Senator Kerry,
Thank you for a top notch speech at the convention last night. I agree with many others on this site who have said that it was one of the best you have ever given. Please help Senator Obama into the fall. He is undoubtedly a great orator in his own right, but I worry with him, as I did with you in 2004, that as he gets bogged down in the “trees” of the campaign, he and his speechwriters lose sight of the larger “forest” of the issues facing our country. We all lose when that happens because the debate is then defined by the pettiness and nonsense presented by the opposing side. Last night, you were tough, but you took no cheap shots. If we keep it that way, we’ll be “onward to victory” in NOvember! Thank you, again.
John,
Last night: you alone ‘hit-it-out-of-the-park.
Please KEEP IT UP!
lOVE,
Senator John Kerry I knew you would come through and give the best speech of the night. Thank you, thank you for being a true patriot.
Thank you for this fantastic, strong, critical, passionate, and patriotic speech, Senator Kerry. I was cheering you on from behind my computer. What you said was essential, and you said it well. Thank you again!
After watching the Democratic Convention and listening to all the speakers, I think that we now have unity. John Kerry gave what I think was the greatest speech of the Convention and evrything he said was right as always. We must all work to elect Obama and all Democrats!
Senator, you definitely gave one of the best speeches at the convention. I just got through listening to it again and you could not have been more on point. I am sending the text of it to all of my friends and family. I am so proud that you represent my state.
John Kerry was brilliant. he knows John McCain better than most people, so why would I disbeleive him. WELL DONE
I thought the speech was bold, clever, and spoke the truth about the state of politics in our country and our responsibility as a global leader. Most of all it was patriotic and hopeful without being complacent. Two thumbs up!
Senator Kerry:
Beautiful speech at the DNC! You made me proud to call you my senator.
Dear John,
As I watched you on C-span deliver your speach for Barack Obama, I forgave you for not standing firm and fighting over the OHIO vote in 2004 and I forgave you for closing your campaign in 2004 with nearly 10 million unspent.
History will show how important your contribution to our party has been when they recall Barack’s introduction to the Nation at your Nomination Convention as your keynote speaker, but we now have no time to lose, no money to waste and more urgent problems to solve. Please keep giving that speach so those who missed it can hear you, and finally and completely forgive you, as I have. Thank you John.
As usual, you were eloquent at the DNC. I am still disappointed that you were not elected in 2004. I saw you speak in Sept 2004 in Albuquerque and was filled with hope that you would be elected President. My car’s bumper still carries your sticker.
Thank you for your speech and for your service to America.
Sen. Kerry,
I watched your speech at the convention on PBS and my response was the same as theirs, “Wow, I didn’t expect Him to be that good. Best speech I’ve ever heard him give.” I had to think that if you’d have delivered like that 4 years ago, it would have been enough to tip that election beyond the chicanery to a rightful conclusion.
Be that as it may, I was flabergasted that the national media just ignored it, as if it never happened, and the Democratic party let them get away with it. You deserve far better than what has been your lot. Know that some of us realize that, and keep on truckin’.
That was a great speech you gave Senator Kerry. I also believe we were robbed in the 2004 election. Best part I liked by the way in the Obama speech was when he mentioned the people responsible for the smears don’t realize though the election is not about me its about you. Barack Obama was saying to his supporters the election is not about him but us. Our chance to take back America and bring the real change the country needs.
When you love your country enough and see it could be doing better then its natural to want to have change. The flag does not belong to any one party. To disagree with the people in power does not make someone unpatriotic it makes them an even greater patriot when they love their country enough to fight for change.
I feel the people of the state of Massachusetts are lucky to have you as their U.S. Senator—their also lucky to have Ted Kennedy as a U.S. Senator too.
All Americans would have been lucky these last 4 years to have had you as President instead of George Bush. He should have lost re-election in 2004 to you as his father George H. W. Bush did before him to Bill Clinton in 1992.
I will naturally now be supporting the Obama Biden ticket for change in 2008. I also support your new website Truth Fights Back.com and urge you catalog more smears against Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
So far there are 30 smears covered on the site all of them were added before Obama announced Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. Since then I’m sure some smears are coming out against Biden too for being Obama’s VP choice and should also be covered and debunked on TruthFightsBack.com
You’re elequence and intelligence are to be admired. Your words are full of truth and conviciton. Plainly--you rock! Nice job senator...from the tiny voice of a single mom in South Central New Jersey!
Such a good speech. Senator Kerry, please consider getting with Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi to Step Up if Impeachment takes place and Bush Steps Down.
Hurricanes are coming; we need problem solvers fast. Very fast. And, you and Al Gore won in your elections.
Democrats must correct the problem of winning and being denied assuming office.
Obama would certainly be an improvement, but he cannot win if he does not address the big problem of no evidence and hidden evidence e-voting and e-counting machines which so poorly served you and Gore and American voters. And, as Bradblog points out, three republican computer programmers have now bravely come forward to say that they gamed the elections in 2000 and 2004 for the GOP. With Rove being RICOed for his role in Ohio in 2004, now is the time to save democracy.
If impeachment takes place, I can see you and Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi recovering democracy itself and working to reverse climate collapse and economic problems. By recovering democracy, you would allow Obama a real capacity to win in the future which he currently does not have.
Please consider saving our democracy.
Thank you so much,
All the majority of American voters who have already voted for you