WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Kerry's wife, Reagan's son to speak Tues. at DNC in Boston

Kerry's wife, Reagan's son to speak Tues. at DNC in Boston

(BostonAP) July 27, 2004 - Some are hailing the nation's former first couple as the stars of the show in Boston Monday night at the Democratic National Convention. Former President Bill Clinton chastised President Bush, while revving up the convention crowd. Read transcript>>

Former President Clinton was introduced by his wife Hillary as "the last great Democratic president." Judging by the decibel level, the crowd agreed.

The familiar campaign theme song, Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow," was playing as he stepped to the podium, but once he started speaking, Clinton focused on the future and the campaign of John Kerry.

He says Kerry has been there for the country again and again in Vietnam and in Congress. Clinton also said Republicans want to keep the country divided by portraying Democrats as lacking strength and values.

One of South Carolina's own also spoke at the convention Monday night. Columbia minister David Alston served on the swift boat Kerry commanded in Vietnam. Alston talked about his relationship with Kerry during those days, "I also come here tonight to honor a friend of mine."

A former President Jimmy Carter and  former Vice President Al Gore took aim at Republican policies in the opening speeches of the Democratic National Convention. Carter without ever uttering Bush's name accused the president of isolating the US and squandering international goodwill following the September 11th attacks.

He cited what he called a "virtually unbroken series of mistakes and miscalculations," and sprinkled his speech with references to "trust" and "telling the truth." Carter says, as a veteran, John Kerry "knows the horrors of war and the responsibilities of leadership" and would avoid "unnecessary wars."

Gore urged Democrats still angry over his loss to Bush in the 2000 election to channel that energy into Kerry's campaign. Gore blasted President Bush on the Iraq war, the environment and the economy. Gore joked that he was the first American laid off under the Bush administration.

US Senate candidate from Illinois and rising party star Barack Obama will deliver the keynote address Tuesday, "Hopefully I can remind them of the wonderful history we have of working together to create opportunity for all people."

Kerry's wife will take center stage Tuesday night at the Democratic convention. The outspoken Teresa Heinz Kerry is expected to focus on national issues like health care and the environment. Veteran Democrat Senator Edward Kennedy also speaks Monday night, as is Ron Reagan, Junior.

The son of the late former president says he will use his prime time speech solely to highlight the disease that slowly killed his father. He'll talk about the stem cell research the Reagan family believes could offer hope for people with Alzheimer's. The Bush administration has restricted stem cell research.

Reagan's appearance is clearly a political coup for Democrats. While he has professed some liberal views, his name alone could draw some swing voters to watch the Democratic gathering. Or, even more importantly, it could convince them that Democrats are reaching out beyond their base.

Half of the featured ticket will arrive on Tuesday. North Carolina Senator John edwards will be in Boston one day before he takes the stage and tells the party faithful he's ready to be vice president.

Kerry is campaigning Tuesday at a naval museum in Norfolk, Virginia. He's due in Boston late Wednesday and will accept his party's nomination Thursday night.

updated 10:09am by BrettWitt