Kerry Press Release: Dems Announce Thematic Framework for 2004 Convention

[Skinner]

For Immediate Release
July 13, 2004

DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE THEMATIC FRAMEWORK FOR 2004 CONVENTION
Four Days to Focus on the Kerry-Edwards Vision For a Nation ‘Stronger at Home, Respected in the World’

Washington, DC – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today unveiled the thematic framework for the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which will take place July 26-29 in Boston, MA.

“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 Governor Bill Richardson, Permanent Chair of the 2004 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.”

“Throughout his life, John Kerry has answered the call to duty with patriotism and resolve,” said Governor Jeanne Shaheen, Chair of Kerry-Edwards for President and a Convention Vice-Chair. “During this Convention, we will tell the story of his lifetime of strength and service and how, with John Edwards, he will put those values to work for all Americans.”

Using speakers, videos, and other programmatic elements, organizers will amplify several themes over the course of the four-day Convention. The following is a partial speakers list.

Monday, July 26

The Kerry-Edwards Plan for America’s Future

The opening night of the Convention will highlight the Kerry-Edwards plan to make America strong at home and respected in the world. John Kerry and John Edwards believe that a stronger America begins with a strong economy and a growing middle class, health care that’s affordable and available for all, and a nation that is free and independent of Mideast oil. John Kerry and John Edwards also know that to be strong at home, America must be respected in the world. As President and Vice President, John Kerry and John Edwards will strengthen our military and lead strong alliances.

On Monday, featured speakers will highlight key elements of the Kerry-Edwards optimistic plan for America’s future, including: Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones of Ohio who will talk about the plan to create new and better jobs at home and a stronger economy for the middle class, Representative Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin who will discuss the plan to create affordable and available health care for all Americans, and Representative Bob Menendez of New Jersey who will discuss the Kerry-Edwards’ plans to strengthen America’s position in the world.

Former Vice President Gore and Former President Carter will speak Monday as well as Former President Clinton who will outline John Kerry’s proven leadership, real experience and optimistic vision to strengthen America.

Tuesday, July 27

A Lifetime of Strength & Service

John Kerry’s life reflects strength, character, and sense of duty and honor. These values reflect the type of leader he has been throughout his life, and will be as President of the United States.

On Tuesday, speakers will talk about John Kerry’s lifetime of strength and service. Speakers including Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, Christie Vilsack of Iowa and Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona will talk about John Kerry and John Edwards service to the nation and fight for average Americans.

Teresa Heinz Kerry will speak Tuesday evening.

Wednesday, July 28

A Stronger More Secure America

John Kerry and John Edwards have the strength of character and toughness to lead America during difficult times and a plan to keep us safe. They will protect America by building a strong military and strengthening international alliances, and they will protect us at home by improving homeland security and by supporting our police, firefighters and other first responders. John Kerry and John Edwards know that an America respected in the world is an America safer at home.

Featured speakers who will highlight the Kerry-Edwards path to a strong and more secure America include: Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico; Mayor Martin O’Malley of Baltimore, Maryland; and Retired Marine Lt. Col. Steve Brozak of New Jersey.

Vice Presidential nominee Senator John Edwards will address the Convention on Wednesday evening. Elizabeth Edwards will introduce her husband.

Thursday, July 29

Stronger at Home, Respected in the World

On Thursday evening, John Kerry will address the nation. He will tell the American people that, as president, he will face the nation’s challenges head on and work on behalf of all Americans to build an America that is stronger at home, and respected in the world. He will also talk about his optimistic vision to build a stronger America, and his commitment to the values that make America great, including working hard and playing by the rules, and strengthening faith, family and freedom throughout our nation.

Preceding John Kerry and playing an important role will be his Swift Boat Crewmates, who have stood by Kerry for more than 30 years since Kerry lead them through the dangerous waters of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Jim Rassman, the Green Beret that John Kerry rescued by pulling him out of a river in Vietnam under enemy fire, will also speak about John Kerry’s tested leadership, strength of character and lifetime of service to the nation. These men will speak to Kerry’s ability to lead America during difficult times and to make America stronger at home and respected in the world.

John Kerry’s daughters, Alex and Vanessa Kerry and two step sons, Chris and Andre Heinz, will also play a role in Thursday night’s program. They will speak about John Kerry as a father and role model that taught them the importance of serving your country and fighting for the ideals that make this nation great.

The Honorable Max Cleland, one of the men that know John Kerry best, will introduce him on Thursday night. Senator Cleland will talk about his friend as a commander in chief that has been tested on the battlefield and that can be trusted to lead America to safer and stronger times.

The 2004 Democratic Convention will take place at the FleetCenter in Boston. For regularly updated Convention information visit www.dems2004.org.

-30-

www.johnkerry.com

Paid for by John Kerry for President, Inc.

[papau]

1. Ok - I was 30 seconds behind you - and only posted a summary!

I think it is time for my mid-day nap!

:toast:

:-)

[AP]

2. Hey, where's Granholm, Hal Ford Jr and Obama? I do like the rest of the

lineup though.

Granholm would fit right in on Tuesday.

[AspenRose]

10. Agreed

And people wonder why the AA vote feels taken for granted. Ford is a rising star, as is Obama.

Jennifer Granholm rocks.

[Leilani]

3. Looks like Wes Clark is not needed anymore?

A More Secure America...Duh!

[WI_DEM]

6. I think all of the also-rans will speak on Monday but

probably not in prime time--including my preferred candidate Howard Dean--and I would imagine Clark will be included.

[PopSixSquish]

4. I Cannot Wait to Hear Max Cleland Speak

While I realize that most of his speech will be focused on Kerry, I want him to slap the Republicans upside the head for their disgraceful actions in the Georgia 2002 Senate Race. Decorum prevents me from repeating the email I fired off to my father the morning after the election.

Since I've moved here to this lovely state, I've enjoyed it. But I will take special pleasure in working to defeat that scumbag Saxby Chambliss in the next election.

[WI_DEM]

7. Me Too!!

He is a great American and I'm glad he is having a pivotal role at the convention.

[cybildisobedience]

5. not sure.....

but the line-up is looking pretty......what's the word I'm looking for?.......
white?

[WI_DEM]

8. you make an excellent point

[Blue_Roses]

11. Yeah, this was mentioned by the NAACP president

that hopefully they won't make the mistake of not asking someone from the African American race to speak. I agree.

[Andromeda]

26. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones of Ohio is black.

:)

[WI_DEM]

9. So are they not having a keynote speaker?

If they do it should be someone of color

[blm]

12. Unfortunately, Skinner, people aren't picking up the words PARTIAL LIST.

They also don't seem to understand that there are evening programs and daytime programs at the convention.

Can you clarify for those new to political conventions.

[cybildisobedience]

13. I do understand the word "partial"

And I'm not unfamiliar with conventions -- in fact, I'm going as a delegate.
I -- and others across this board --are commenting on the fact that the Democrats have an excellent opportunity to bolster their relationship with African-American voters -- particularly in light of Bush's snub of the NAACP. We only hope they realize that and NOT offend them unnecessarily.

[blm]

16. I'm sure Stephanie Tubbs-Jones is well aware of it.

She and Dick Durbin are Kerry's liaisons to the DNC.

I have total faith in her ability (and his) to put together a great program that reflects our Democratic values.

Looking at all the threads on this subject, there are too many who don't understand that this is a partial list. My observation was not directed at those who recognize that distinction.

[cybildisobedience]

19. okay.....

skirmish resolved....

[G_j]

14. No Kucinich?

that is sad

[goodhue]

20. Dennis will be speaking

likely on Tuesday

[madfloridian]

15. Already being interpreted by the media as exclusion.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-13-demsconvention_x.htm

[madfloridian]

17. Someone needs to inform Terry Mc.

. . . "Dean is tentatively scheduled to speak Monday night at the convention. 'Howard will have a major role at the convention,' says Terry McAuliffe, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. 'We want people coming out of the convention feeling fiery and energized, and Howard can help us do that.' . . . ” New York Magazine, Meryl Gordon July 12, 2004"

Poor Terry is all confused.

[mzmolly]

18. Does down playing the appearance of Dean /Sharpton mean they wont

be speaking?

In announcing top speakers for the July 26-29 convention, Democrats signaled Tuesday that they would play down party firebrands (Howard Dean and Al Sharpton) and veteran legislators (Tom Daschle and Nancy Pelosi).

:(

[goodhue]

22. not at all n/t

[Leilani]

25. At least they are mentioned...

Wes Clark s name is not.

[goodhue]

21. the list does not purport to be comprehensive

Kucinich is likely speaking Tuesday, Dean Monday. And there will be many more speakers than the press release reveals.

[madfloridian]

23. Yes, I am aware.

I just posted what McAuliffe said.

[mzmolly]

24. PHEW! I was getting my dander up here...

Thanks :hi: