US: "Ninety-seven days, let's make it happen," Democratic candidate John Kerry told hundreds of supporters at an early-morning rally at Boston Harbour yesterday. He was setting out on a 3,500-mile campaign swing across the US after a successful Democratic National Convention, writes Conor O'Clery, North America Editor, in Boston
President George Bush also returned to the campaign yesterday, telling voters in Missouri that when it comes to choosing a president, "results matter" and that Mr Kerry had no "signature achievements" to his name.
Mr Kerry was in high spirits following generally good reviews for his acceptance speech the previous evening, in which he pledged to "restore trust and credibility to the White House".
Mr Kerry delighted the convention by criticising Mr Bush's conduct of the Iraq war and the war on terror, after four days of speakers pulling their punches to present an optimistic platform.
"We have it in our power to change the world, but only if we're true to our ideals - and that starts by telling the truth to the American people," he said.
"I will be a commander-in-chief who will never mislead us into war. I will have a vice-president who will not conduct secret meetings with polluters to rewrite our environmental laws. I will have a secretary of defence who will listen to the advice of our military leaders, and I will appoint an attorney general who upholds the constitution of the United States."
Mr Kerry promised to be a strong leader who would restore alliances with US allies, strained over the war, although he did not say how he would bring home US troops. "I know what we have to do in Iraq," he said. "We need a president who will bring our allies to our side and share the burden . . ." He promised to defend the US and build a stronger military, and pledged to end the "back-door draft of the National Guard and the reservists".
To all who served, his message was: "Help is on the way." He emphasised the word "is" to mock a promise to the military by Vice-President Dick Cheney in 2000, using the same words.
Citing job losses and rising healthcare costs, he said: "America can do better. And help is on the way." Mr Kerry entered the convention hall from the back at 10.00 p.m., greeting delegates to the sounds of Bruce Springsteen's No surrender!. Running up the steps to the podium, he gave a military salute and said: "I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty."
His appearance climaxed an evening of tributes to his service to the nation. His Swift Boat crew from the Vietnam war lined up to greet him and embrace him. Former Georgia senator Max Cleland, who lost three limbs in Vietnam, introduced him as a brother and friend. "The Bible tells me there is no greater love has a man than to lay down life for his friends, and John's fellow crewmates are living testimony to his leadership, his courage under fire," said Mr Cleland.
The delegates were shown a video of Kerry's life in which he spoke of "crying like a baby" when his daughters were born, and which showed a recreation of his rescue under fire of Green Beret Jim Rassmann, who was also on stage.
In a personal testimonial his daughter Alexandra said: "Let me tell you this, when he loves you - as he loves me and my sister and his family, as he loves the men who fought beside him - there is no sacrifice too great. When he cares for you, as he cares for this country, there are no surer hands, and no wiser heart."
In his 55-minute speech Mr Kerry said: "As president I will fight a smarter, more effective war on terror. We will deploy every tool in our arsenal: our economic as well as our military might; our principles as well as our firepower." He promised to balance the budget and pay for spending by repealing tax cuts only for those making $200,000 or more.
As he concluded he addressed Mr Bush personally: "In the weeks ahead, let's be optimists, not just opponents. Let's build unity in the American family, not angry division. Let's honour this nation's diversity, let's respect one another, and let's never misuse for political purposes the most precious document in American history, the constitution of the United States."
With slightly more than three months to the election, Mr Kerry has a slight lead over Mr Bush and hopes for a bounce in the polls from the convention. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the President did not watch Mr Kerry's address.