Convention

he 2004 Democratic National Convention took place from July 26 to July 29, 2004 at the FleetCenter Boston Massachusetts. This is where John Kerry and his Vice Presidential Candidate, John Edwards, were nominated as the official candidates of the Democratic Party for President and Vice President of the United States. This Convention was the official end of the primaries, they had already taken place. The ceremony included keynote speech by Barack Obama, future president of the United States. The Convention was chaired by Bill Richardson , Governor of New Mexico and Lottie Shackelford, former presidential advisor to Bill Clinton, served as Vice Chairwoman.
The party platform is very important because it outlines the main points and views of the candidate. The democratic party platform for this election was titled "Strong at Home, Respected in the World". The first part was called "A Strong, Respected America". It outlined ways to prevent and defeat terrorism. It also talked about keeping weapons of mass destruction from terrorists and promoting world peace and security. They want to strengthen the military and better homeland security. The second part of the platform was entitled "A Strong, Growing Economy". This section discussed the making of "good jobs" for the American middle class. The third part of the platform was called "Strong, Healthy Families." This section discussed ways to improve health care and education. It also discussed the protection of the environment. The final part of the platform was called "A Strong American Community." This talked about the diversity of America and Civil Rights.
These are all very democratic views and including all of these got many people on their side.
Kerry picked Edwards as his running mate because of experience. Kerry said that Edwards "has shown guts and determination and political skill in his own race for the presidency of the United States, a man whose life has prepared him for leadership and whose character brings him to exercise it."