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Tuesday, Aug 03, 2004

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Kerry on the rise

By Paul Harris

After the strongest speech he has ever given, the Democrat candidate is starting to convince America he can oust President Bush.

THE FIREWORKS exploded in the night sky and illuminated John Kerry dancing on the stage next to Boston harbour. It was way past midnight and he had delivered the most important speech of his life.

The man who would be President punched the air and gleefully pointed at the colourful explosions like a teenager. As the theme from Star Wars blared out at the public party, his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, laughed and mimed playing a violin. Their children looked on in celebration.

The Kerrys had every reason for feeling pleased with themselves. The Democrats had just completed one of the most remarkable conventions in their recent history. Normally famed for squabbling, the party united solidly behind Mr. Kerry. From left to right, internal critics morphed into firm supporters. The party draped itself in patriotism and the heroism of Mr. Kerry's Vietnam record.

It was a stunning turnaround. Just a year ago, as Democrat activists scanned an unknown and fractious field of contenders, it seemed Mr. Kerry and the others were battling only for the right to lose to President George W. Bush. Mr. Kerry, if he won the nomination, would be a sacrificial lamb.

What a difference a year makes. Democrats have energised and united as Republican woes have piled up. Now talk of President Kerry does not seem ridiculous. Some experts see it as likely. Democrats now genuinely expect to win. Mr. Kerry's convention, seen as a crucial test, has finally introduced him to the national American audience. Many may have liked what they saw. But in reality the fight is far from over.

If Mr. Kerry wins it is men like Bob McLane who will have sealed his victory. Wearing a camouflage jacket, Mr. McLane stood up in front of a room packed with Vietnam veterans who had come to Boston to campaign for their former comrade-in-arms. "Welcome home, brother," one veteran called. "It is good to be home, brother," Mr. McLane replied.

Like no other Democrat candidate, Mr. Kerry has wrapped himself in the respect veterans such as Mr. McLane command in America. Specifically, Mr. Kerry's service in Vietnam has become the defining idea of portraying Democrats as strong on defence. It is a powerful tool, especially when compared to the dubious national service of his rival, Mr. Bush.

Vietnam and the three Purple Hearts Mr. Kerry won there dominated the convention. Pictures of Mr. Kerry in uniform covered the walls. A nine-minute video, produced with the help of Steven Spielberg, used it as a centrepiece to tell his story.

It was a clever move. Mr. Kerry's record in Vietnam neutralises the Democrats' traditional weakness of being seen as soft on defence. It also helps flesh Mr. Kerry out as a person. His former crewmates, whom Mr. Kerry refers to as his `Band of Brothers', travel everywhere with him and were a regular feature at the convention. They speak movingly of their ex-commander. "We were all with John Kerry in that damn stupid war. For the 30 years I have known John Kerry he has never lied to me," said Del Sandusky, a shipmate aboard Mr. Kerry's PCF-94 boat. Mr. Kerry's family has also played a role in trying to put across a fuller picture of "John Kerry the man" to both convention delegates and a wider America. At one meeting of women delegates last week, Mr. Kerry's wife and two sisters gave speeches. They were backed up by John Edward's wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter Cate. The convention was a family affair.

In Boston, Mr. Kerry's relatives were deployed like never before. His daughters, Vanessa and Alexandra, were regular speakers. They helped introduce their father with childhood stories. Kerry's stepsons, Chris and Andre Heinz, were also regulars at breakfast meetings, lunches and dinners. They all too embraced Vietnam.

But there is another war that got less attention at the Democrat convention. That war is the conflict in Iraq in which Fernando Suarez lost his soldier son, Jesus. Mr. Suarez was not shy about mentioning Iraq and he had a message for Mr. Kerry in Boston. "My son died. For what? Because Bush lied. Pay attention Mr. Kerry. The people watch your actions," he said.

But both Mr. Kerry and Mr. Edwards voted for the war. Speaking out strongly now would seem hypocritical and it would also open them up to Republican attacks on their patriotism. A spat over Iraq could shatter the carefully built up picture of strength on national security. Democrats at all levels have made the decision to back Kerry in the belief that he can win. Speeches were vetted and dissent was not tolerated.

Mentions of Iraq, which became more common towards the end of the week, stuck to the line of supporting the troops and criticising only the lack of intelligence and ineffective post-war planning.The battleground States are still up for grabs. Mr. Bush will hold his convention in New York at the end of August. His formidable election machine has also hit the road. Mr. Bush will rarely leave the campaign trail for the next four weeks. Mr. Kerry concluded his convention speech with simple words addressed to the undecided: "I will work my heart out. But, my fellow citizens, the outcome is in your hands more than mine."

— © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

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