Edwards Claims V.P. Slot at Democratic Convention
John Kerry's Running Mate Promises Help for Middle Class
Listen: Hear Edwards' Speech in Full
Sen. John Edwards gestures to the crowd as he speaks before being confirmed as the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee.
Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards gestures to the crowd as he speaks before being confirmed as his party's vice presidential nominee, July 28, 2004
As Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry prepares to accept his party's nomination Thursday, his running mate, Sen. John Edwards, formally becomes the Democrats' entry for vice president.
In his speech accepting the nomination, Edwards gave the audience at Boston's FleetCenter a background sketch of his humble beginnings in North Carolina, acknowledging his parents seated in the arena as he described his father's millwork.
He went on to promise economic aid to the middle class, stressing to his audience, "your agenda is our agenda." In addition to urging the elimination of tax cuts for companies that outsource jobs, Edwards called for tax breaks related to the costs of healthcare, childcare and education.
Taking the stage an hour after a group of retired U.S. generals and military leaders that included Gen. John Shalikashvili, Edwards reiterated Kerry's qualifications to be commander-in-chief as he reviewed his running mate's Vietnam record.
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