The Honorable Carl Levin's Speech Before the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, July 29, 2004

BOSTON, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech by the Honorable Carl Levin before the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, July 29, 2004:

229 years ago, just a few miles from here, a shot was fired that was heard "'round" the world announcing a unique nation was about to be born.

Tonight, from this place, a strong voice will be heard around the world, proposing to change our nation's course. John Kerry understands that just as the administration has squandered the budget surpluses of three years ago, so have their current "go-it-alone" foreign policies squandered the good will of much of the world and estranged us from our allies.

John Kerry understands that to win the war against international terrorism we must unite the world community against a common foe and not alienate the people of the world so that they sit on the sidelines of this struggle. John Kerry knows that America is at its strongest and best when we are respected not only for our military power, but also for the wisdom and restraint with which we use it.

John Kerry knows that as the world's only super-power, we must be super- wise in the ways we use that power. John Kerry understands that if we develop new nuclear weapons, if we walk away from treaties, if we ignore international law, other nations will follow that same dangerous course.

John Kerry has felt the sting and stress of combat.  Our servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and throughout the world will have in John Kerry a commander-in-chief for whom "leave no American behind" is not a slogan but a solemn personal duty tested and proven under fire.  We will have in John Kerry a commander-in-chief who has the competence and experience that our brave men and women in uniform deserve.

As commander-in-chief, John Kerry will relentlessly pursue terrorists wherever they operate. But if there is no imminent threat to our Nation, John Kerry will never send America's sons and daughters to fight and die in unilaterally declared wars.

As we set a new course tonight at home and abroad, we are guided by America's transcendent vision of a secure and peaceful world. We leave here confident that we have nominated the right captain to guide our beloved nation and a troubled world to calmer, safer waters.  We depart focused and determined to do all in our power to put the helm of our ship of state in the steady hands of Commander 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/