Convention

A national convention is held at the end of the primary elections and before the official general elections. These conventions are in place to officially select the presidential nominee of the party and his running mate. Here at the convention, the platform of the party is established, which will be used during the general election. These platforms are very specific and written formally to address the party’s position on American issues.

The 2004 Democratic convention was held in Boston, Massachusetts at the Fleet Center.

"Strong at Home, Respected in the World": The Platform:

"A Strong, Respected America"

• ·      to defeat terrorism
• ·      to keep weapons of mass destruction from the hands of terrorists
• ·      to promote world peace and security
• ·      to strengthen the military
• ·      to achieve energy independence
• ·      to strengthen homeland security

"A Strong, Growing Economy"

• ·      create what the party called "good jobs"
• ·      “Standing up for the great American middle class"

"Strong, Healthy Families"

• ·      to reform the healthcare system in the United States
• ·      to improve education
• ·      to protect the environment

"A Strong American Community”

• ·      Stressed the diversity of the nation and the importance of upholding civil rights as a major tenet of the party

Vice Presidential Selection

The selection of Senator John Edwards of North Carolina was based on a number of reasons. First, Kerry knew he would be asking one of his fellow primary candidates to be vice president. According to Kerry, his experience as a U.S. Senator and his freshness he brought to the party would allow them to “bring back our might dream” – the dream of outsing Bush.