The Democratic Party has chosen "Stronger at Home, Respected in the World" as the overall theme of its 2004 national convention, which will take place July 26-29 in Boston. MSNBC Cable will carry the convention live for eight hours each day, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET, more than any other television network. Here's a day-by-day look at the agenda, which also features daily themes:
Monday, July 26
With the theme of "The Kerry-Edwards Plan for America's Future," Democrats will roll out six speakers to focus on domestic issues, including their biggest gun in former President Clinton. In addition to Clinton, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones of Ohio who will talk about the campaign's economic plans; Rep. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin will cover health care; and Rep. Bob Menendez of New Jersey will talk about defense issues. Also on the agenda: Sen. Hillary Clinton; former Vice President Al Gore; former President Carter; David Alston, Vietnam crewmate of Kerry; Rep. Steny Hoyer, Md.; Terry McAuliffe, chairman of the Democratic Party; Rep. Kendrick Meek, Fla.; Thomas Menino, mayor of Boston; Sen. Barbara Mikulski, Md. Rep. Jim Turner, Texas.
Tuesday, July 27
Speakers on this day will focus on what the campaign is calling Kerry's "Lifetime of Strength and Service." They include: keynote speaker Barack Obama, a state Senator from Illinois and U.S. Senate candidate; Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts; Christie Vilsack, first lady of Iowa; Gov. Janet Napolitano of Arizona; Teresa Heinz Kerry; Senate minor leader Tom Daschle; Howard Dean; Sen. Richard Durbin, Ill.; James Forbes, senior Minister at Riverside Church, New York City; Rep. Dick Gephardt; Chris Heinz, Kerry's stepson; Rep. Mike Honda, Calif.; Rep. Jim Langevin, R.I.; Carol Moseley-Braun; Ron Reagan; Ilana Wexler, 13-Year-Old founder of Kids for Kerry.
Wednesday, July 28
In addition to serving as Edwards' debut before the convention, this day will focus on the Kerry-Edwards plan for "A Stronger, More Secure America." Speakers will include: Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico; Mayor Martin O’Malley of Baltimore; retired Marine Lt. Col. Steve Brozak of New Jersey; Elizabeth Edwards; Rep. Elijah Cummings, Md.; Cate Edwards; Sen. Bob Graham, Fla.; Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Mich.; Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Ohio; Rep. Greg Meeks, N.Y.; Sen. Harry Reid, Nev,; Gov. Ed Rendell, Pa.; and Al Sharpton.
Thursday, July 29
The convention culminates with John Kerry's acceptance speech. He will be preceded to the podium by some of his crewmates from Vietnam, including Jim Rassman, the Green Beret whom Kerry rescued. Kerry’s daughters, Alex and Vanessa Kerry, will also speak. Kerry will be introduced by former Sen. Max Cleland from Georgia. Others: Madeline Albright; Sen. Joe Biden, Del.; retired Gen. Wesley Clark; Rep. James Clyburn, S.C.; Sen. Joe Lieberman, Conn.; Rep. Ed Markey, Mass.; Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, Calif.; Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington, D.C.; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi; Rep. Louise Slaughter, N.Y.; John Sweeney, president of AFL-CIO; Gov. Mark Warner, Va.