The Honorable Patrick Leahy's Speech Before the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, July 28, 2004

/EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY OF SPEECH, SCHEDULED FOR 5:23 P.M. EDT TODAY, JULY 28/

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

I'm Patrick Leahy and I'm from Vermont. I want to offer a friendly word of advice. If the Vice President is watching this speech on TV, he might want to change channels.

Like millions of Americans, I am dismayed by the direction the current administration is leading America, at home and abroad.

In an outpouring of international sympathy following the attacks of 9/11, thousands of people around the world played the "Star Spangled Banner" in public squares, NATO stepped forward to stand with us, and a newspaper in France declared, "We Are All Americans."

Sadly, three short years later, most of that goodwill is gone-the result of a go-it-alone administration that has pulled the United States out of treaty after treaty, alienated our allies, and undermined our national security with a misguided rush to invade Iraq.

Just last week the 9/11 Commission laid out a blueprint for a stronger, wiser and more effective war on terrorism.  They said America needs to use all the tools in its toolbox to win back the world's hearts and minds, and get the cooperation we need.

I agree with these findings. But I also believe that America needs something else, too.  America needs a new President.

A new President who has the vision and credibility to repair the damage that the current administration has done to America's reputation.

A new President who understands that America can't just tell other nations what to do, but must also inspire them to do it.

A new President who will once again restore wisdom and judgment to the White House.

A new President named John Kerry.

I want to share some common sense that any Vermonter will tell you: If you hire a carpenter who only sees the hammer in his toolbox, every problem looks like a nail.

It's time for America to put a new president on the job, John Kerry, who will use every tool at America's disposal-not just a hammer-to build a stronger, safer America at home and abroad.

So this November, I invite you to join me and millions of our fellow citizens in building that better America, by casting our votes for the next President of the United States, 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/