NEW YORK, July 26: Democratic Party delegates have gathered in Boston for a four-day convention that will see John Kerry endorsed as presidential candidate to run against incumbent George Bush in the November elections.

But the Democrats, especially the younger generation, which is seething at the Bush administration, is upset with the party leadership for issuing a gag order on criticism of the president, whose Republican party continues to attack Mr Kerry.

"This should not be a bash-Bush party," said Lou Magazzu, the party chairman in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Democratic leader Terry McAuliffe, in a separate appearance on Sunday, could not restrain himself when he said the White House was going to "spend millions of dollars on weapons of mass deception".

Smiling, he described the turn of phrase as "a highlight of my speech tomorrow night". Other Democrats questioned whether Mr Kerry should pass up four of the biggest days of his campaign without going after Mr Bush.

"It takes negative and positive to make electricity," said Reverend Jesse Jackson, a former presidential candidate. One delegate said: "I think they should attack Bush on everything from the war to No Child Left Behind. Our problem is that we always have to be the nice guy."

An all-star lineup of party veterans is due to speak at the opening session, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, and former vice president Al Gore. Mr Kerry is expected to arrive in Boston on Wednesday, before accepting his party's nomination on Thursday.

UNPRECEDENTED SECURITY: Security measures surrounding the gathering of 5,000 delegates, 15,000 guests and 15,000 journalists are unprecedented. About 65kms of roads are being closed for the duration of the convention and some subway stops are also being shut down. Camouflaged military police are guarding the convention centre.

CONVENTION BEGINS

BOSTON: Democrats kicked off four days of speeches and high-tech pageantry at their national convention on Monday, vowing to put Senator John Kerry in the White House and refurbish the country's image abroad. -AFP