The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Democratic National Convention Wednesday, July 28, 2004

REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY

BOSTON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech by The Honorable Dianne Feinstein at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, July 28, 2004:

On behalf of Democrats across this great nation, it is my honor and privilege to nominate Senator John Kerry for the Presidency of the United States.

I've known John Kerry for more than a decade. I've worked with him in the Senate, and I'm proud to call him a friend. John Kerry's a man who is skilled, capable, and experienced. He is caring and compassionate-a family man. In Vietnam, as a Naval Officer, in the courtroom as a prosecutor, in the Senate representing the State of Massachusetts, he has devoted his life to serving this nation. He understands the urgent need to bring this country together, toward a common purpose -- a united America. Or, as President Clinton so eloquently said two nights ago, "a more perfect union."

John Kerry's chief goal as President will be to move this nation in a new and different direction. Away from the huge deficits and debt of these past four years and toward fiscal responsibility. Away from policies that eliminate good-paying American jobs and that send those jobs overseas. For too many Americans, incomes are stagnant, jobs are threatened, workers work harder but earn less. This is not the American dream.

There are families in my State, California, who can't afford vaccinations for their children and who have no health insurance when they face catastrophic illness. John Kerry's health care proposals will change this. America can do better, and with John Kerry, America will do better. As President, John Kerry will build those bridges necessary to restore America's credibility abroad, and he'll build the coalitions and alliances we need to win the War on Terror.

As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I know that we need to make changes in our intelligence community. That is the conclusion of the Joint House-Senate Inquiry investigating 9-11. That's also the conclusion of the just-released 9-11 Commission Report. It's been three years since the tragic events of September 11th. Yet we haven't made the changes necessary. I can tell you that John Kerry won't wait. America will be safer.

John Kerry will also work his heart out to see that our children are well- educated and well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future. He'll work to free this nation from its dependence on foreign oil -- to keep it clean and green. And most importantly, he'll lead the way to restoring our values, hope, opportunity, and equality for all Americans.

This November's election, for me, is the most important election in my lifetime - for we face unprecedented threats at home and abroad. My friends, this election is the test of our time. For no less is at stake than the character of our nation. But we have a strong, new leader, prepared and ready to confront these challenges and lead this nation to a better tomorrow. That's why I'm so proud to nominate -- as our party's choice to be the next President of the United States -- Senator John Kerry.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT:  Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/