US Democratic Convention presents an optimistic vision for America

Producer: Melanie Yip
First broadcast: 29 July 04, Radio Singapore International

The US Democratic Convention ended its third day, with Vice-Presidential challenger, John Edwards presenting his keynote speech to the delegates and potential voters.

Since the Boston convention began on Monday in the United States, the Democratic Convention has seen several prominent political figures like former Presidents Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton making their case on why John Kerry is the best candidate to challenge George W. Bush in the November 2nd presidential election.

And the message that the Democrats have been putting forward - that of a united party - has been working well.

This according to David Tucker (DT), Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Melbourne, who spoke with RSI's Melanie Yip.

DT: Well, influencing voters is not a mater of the issues. What they had to do at this convention was sell the candidate and also sell the Democratic Party as a party that people were comfortable about voting for. And I think that's what this convention has been about, rather than selling new policies. They have been showing a united front, and that they have shown a side of the party to the American people who found it appealing, like calling for a United America.

On the first day of the Democratic Convention, we heard prominent figures like ex-Presidents Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton justify their choice of John Kerry for president, and speak about the party's stand on issues like the war against terror, healthcare and economy. Do you think their appearance on the first day paved an advantageous momentum for the convention?

DT: Yes, it shows continuity in the party, going back from Jimmy Carter as their ex-President, through to Clinton, and forward looking to John Kerry. And being past Presidents, these people have their presence and charisma. And so it was appropriate to start the convention with those speakers. And I think that Bill Clinton made a particularly good speech, coming behind Kerry on the war. The main argument that they've got is is Kerry can conduct the foreign policy of the United States in a less divisive way, where he can bring allies in, and that he can restore respect for America. These are big themes and he can sell it very well.

The strategy for the Democratic Convention this year was the theme of "A Positive Campaign", where the Democrats stressed on promoting their policies as better alternatives, compared to the current Bush Administration. But was there restrain in Bush-bashing so far? And why?

DT: I think what they are trying to do is to present an optimistic vision for America. They have done some polling and Americans want to feel optimistic again. And this is what Kerry is putting forward, a kind of optimism. I think negative campaigning does not fit with that. Kerry is not looking back, he is looking forward. He is presenting America with "Vote for me, and you'll be able to restore your old sense of confidence. I can offer you a future that you can embrace." So I think that is where they are coming from. That is a good strategy because a negative strategy - they've tried it - and it is not working as well as they hoped, so they have shifted towards this optimism.

Vice Presidential challenger, John Edwards made his key note speech today, and talked about issues like bridging the economic gap between a "divided America", health care and education. Was he able to bring across the message effectively?

DT: I think so, he was very effective orator. He has this Southern presence and a way of communicating with so many Americans. He's saying that the Democrats want to get rid of the tax cuts for the rich. So they are trying to say that Bush is a divisive President, because he's favored one group, namely the very rich. Whereas the Kerry presidency will be for all the Americans, and they will put forward a fairer tax policy that won't just favor the rich, but will help all Americans, including the very poor.

Considering that many Americans are divided in their choice for President, this is one tight battle for the White House. What can we expect from Presidential nominee, John Kerry, who will close the final day of the convention with his speech?

DT: I think Kerry has to present himself well and not let himself be overshadowed by the previous speakers. I don't think that will happen, I think he has the whole convention behind him. I think he will do well and be well-received. I think the Democrats are extremely hopeful that they have got a candidate who can win. Kerry will reinforce points that have already been made, this optimism and looking forward, that I can conduct a better foreign policy that Bush was able to do. That I will be a caring president that will unite the country. The Democrats have got good messages there and they are pushing it well.