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BOSTON, July 27: Former US president Bill Clinton promised on Monday to be a "foot soldier" in John Kerry's fight for the White House as a unified and determined Democratic Party opened its national convention with a ringing call to battle in November.
Bill Clinton, who wrapped up the convention's opening night, joined an all-star cast of party veterans and leaders who lavished praise on John Kerry and questioned President George W. Bush's leadership and credibility.
"Tonight I come to you as a citizen, returning to the role that I have played for most of my life, as a foot soldier in our fight for the future," Mr Clinton said, calling John Kerry "a good man, a great senator, a visionary leader."
Former president Jimmy Carter and former vice president Al Gore condemned Mr Bush's handling of Iraq and accused him of destroying US credibility around the world as Democrats drew contrasts between John Kerry and George Bush, who polls show are locked in a tight race.
"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," Carter said. "Without truth, without trust, America cannot flourish."
Gore, who lost the 2000 election to Mr Bush after a bitter recount dispute in Florida that was settled by the Supreme Court, said that battle should inspire Democrats working to put John Kerry in the White House in November.
"To those of you who felt disappointed or angry with the outcome in 2000, I want you to remember all of those feelings," Gore said. "But then I want you to do what I have done - focus them fully and completely on putting John Kerry and John Edwards in the White House."
'A SERIOUS MAN': Mr Clinton received a rousing welcome from delegates after being introduced by his wife, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who called Mr Kerry "a serious man for a serious job."
His speech capped a night full of speeches highlighting Kerry's proposals to create jobs, provide affordable health care and rebuild foreign alliances. Convention planners had promised a positive gathering that would focus more on Kerry than on attacks against Mr Bush. But while the rhetoric was cooler and Mr Bush was not always mentioned by name, many Democrats could not restrain themselves.
Speakers said Mr Bush could not lead the economy back to prosperity or protect Americans from threats around the world. Gore said Mr Bush had betrayed his promise to practice a compassionate conservatism.
"I sincerely ask those watching at home tonight who supported President Bush four years ago, did you really get what you expected from the candidate you voted for?" asked Gore, who toned down his recent red-meat rhetoric like calling Mr Bush a "moral coward."
"Has the promise of compassionate conservatism been fulfilled? Or do those words ring hollow now?" Gore asked. Democrats showcased the life and military history of Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, hoping to burnish his credentials as a decisive leader and soften the image of the sometimes wooden campaigner.
Carter, also a former naval officer, drew a pointed contrast between John Kerry and Mr Bush's service in the National Guard, and made an allusion to questions about whether he showed up to serve his full term.
"Today our party is led by another former naval officer - one who volunteered for military service," Carter said. "He showed up when assigned to duty, and he served with honor and distinction."
Mr Clinton, who avoided military service during the Vietnam War, openly made the comparison with John Kerry. "He could have avoided going, too, but he said 'Send me'," Mr Clinton said. -Reuters
