Democrats open convention

Demonstrators protest the war in Iraq as they march to the site of the Democratic National Convention before its start in Boston, Massachusetts. The convention started yesterday and will continue till July 29. PHOTO: AFP

With the US election 100 days away, the Democratic National Convention opened here in the birthplace of American democracy with hopes riding high that Kerry can capitalise on anger over Iraq to oust Bush from power.

Security was heightened as Americans readied for their first national political convention since the September 11 attacks in 2001, with barricades up, streets closed, and police sharpshooters watching out from rooftops.

The Democrats assembled a star-studded lineup, including former president Bill Clinton, to galvanise the party faithful as well as the crucial voters who remain undecided with Bush and Kerry running neck-and-neck in the polls.

Party leaders said speakers would focus on the main slogan -- making the United States "stronger at home and respected in the world" -- before Kerry caps the rally on Thursday by taking the stage to accept the nomination.

Kerry and Democratic officials have pledged to minimise criticism of Bush and instead put the spotlight on a campaign platform to rebuild US relations abroad, bolster the economy and strengthen national security.

"There won't be any bashing of the president," said Bill Richardson, the former US ambassador to the United Nations and co-chairman of the convention. "Well, hang on -- there will be some of that."

But there will be no avoiding the deep political divide over the war in Iraq, with visitors from around 120 countries expected to be in attendance.

"The number of foreigners reflects that we are in a new international climate," said former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright.

"There is generally concern about what is happening in this country," she said.

Kerry hopes to convince voters that he can be tough in defending the United States while repairing alliances damaged by the war that brought down Saddam Hussein.

Polls show Kerry and his southern populist running mate, Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, in a dead heat with Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

With Bush under fire for his handling of the war on terror and Iraq, and his job approval rating stuck below 50 percent, history appears to be on the side of the challengers.