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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Coverage of Democratic Convention

Aired July 28, 2004 - 17:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, the crowds are ready to hear from John Kerry's No. 2. He'll take the podium tonight, but John Edwards won't take two crucial figures head on.
Also happening this hour, the Democratic Senator on the receiving end of Vice President Dick Cheney's four-letter blast is preparing to respond. You'll hear it on CNN this hour.

Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): One if by land, two if by sea: Kerry arrives to claim his prize.

SEN. JOHN KERRY, (D-MA) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We're going to write the great next chapter of America's next history together.

BLITZER: But tonight belongs to the running mate and the running mate's mate.

ELIZABETH EDWARDS, JOHN EDWARDS' WIFE: These events are, in some ways, bittersweet because we wish he were here sharing with us.

BLITZER: A suicide bomber slaughters dozens in a marketplace as troops fight bloody battles with Iraqi insurgents.

Not so favorite son: Why aren't the residents of Boston going crazy over Kerry?

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS live from the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Hello from Boston where one-time war hero has been getting a hero's welcome. That would be John Kerry.

They used to race up the rivers in Vietnam drawing enemy fire. Today, John Kerry and his former crew mates took a slower ride up the Charles River en route to the nomination.

But tonight, it's John Edwards' turn. He's tried out the podium at the Fleet Center and has put final touches on a speech which has gone through dozens of drafts. They're already speaking here on the podium. Here is Charles Rangel. He's the senior Democratic member of the House of Representatives from New York state, from Harlem. He's got a lot of fans here at the Democratic convention. Charlie Rangel preparing to speak. We'll, of course, go live to the convention throughout this hour.

Let's begin with CNN's Kelly Wallace. She's going to take a look at what John Edwards has been up to today.

Will Edwards take the gloves off tonight? CNN's John king gives us a preview.

But we begin with our Frank Buckley. He's outside the hotel here in Boston where John Kerry is staying -- Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, as you say, John Kerry is finally in Boston, a city he knows so well, arriving in dramatic fashion. John Kerry arriving by boat. First, he arrived at Logan International Airport by plane, then got on a boat with fellow Vietnam veterans, most of them fellow swift boat crew mates from Vietnam.

The campaign hoping that these pictures will help to remind voters of John Kerry's wartime experience, to assure them to say he has led men into war in the past, and, from their point of view, he can lead America as commander in chief.

Kerry arrived, then, to a rally at the Charlestown Navy Yard and spoke to supporters.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to my opportunity a little more than 24 hours from now to share with you, and all of America, a vision for how we're going to make this country stronger at home and respected in the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: John Kerry's arrival here in Boston following a week of campaigning. The campaign described as traveling from John Kerry's birthplace to the birthplace of America, Boston. He started the trip last week in Colorado and then traveled across a number of very important battleground states, finally arriving in Boston today -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Frank Buckley's outside the hotel where John Kerry is staying. Thanks, Frank, very much.

All eyes, of course, are on John Kerry's running mate, John Edwards, as he delivers a prime time speech to the convention delegates. For more on the Senator's day, let's go to CNN national correspondent Kelli Wallace. She's here on the convention floor -- Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, we did not see senator John Edwards today. We are told he remained in seclusion working on this very, very important speech. But we did see him last night. Those of us in the hall after midnight saw the senator trying to get a feel for the Fleet Center, looking at the teleprompter, trying to go through the motions of what it will be like later.

As for (UNINTELLIGIBLE), he says he feels great. And that he is ready.

Earlier this day (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Edwards, and she said she's excited for this time, but it is scary. She will introduce her mother tonight, Elizabeth Edwards, who will then introduce Senator Edwards -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Kelli Wallace on the floor here at the convention. Thanks, Kelli, very much. CNN's John King is joining us now with what we can expect to hear from John Edwards. This, presumably, will be the biggest speech of his life, at least so far.

JOHN KING, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It certainly will be, Wolf. And the jury, not a trial jury as Edwards is used to in North Carolina, but this convention all, and the larger audience of the American people tonight. And you see the North Carolina delegates behind me, among the earliest to arrive, because it is such a big night for their speech.

We are told that John Edwards will do something a bit different for the vice presidential nominee. Usually that is the attack dog role, he will deliver a speech that was tough on the Bush administration and tough on Republican priorities, but he will not mention either President Bush or Vice President Cheney by name.

But John Edwards will say this: He will describe John Kerry as quote, "decisive, strong, aren't these the traits you want in a commander in chief?" That is addressing one of the key priorities in this convention, trying to convince the American people Senator Kerry is prepared to lead the war on terror.

And Senator Edwards will say this, Wolf, about the Republican Party. He will say quote, "the Republicans are doing all they can to take this campaign to the highest office in the land down to the lowest possible road."

So a toughly worded speech. He will draw contrast on taxes, the economy and Iraq. But again, he will not mention the president or his counterpart Vice President Cheney by name -- Wolf.

BLITZER: John, two nights down, two nights to go. You've been talking to these Democrats. What's the sense they're getting right now? Is this convention working the way they hoped it would?

KING: Well, they believe it is working their No. 1 priority, which is exciting Democratic voters. More than any other convention, this is much more about exciting your base.

Normally the strategy is to reach out to independent and swing voters. That is such a small pool this year, because the electorate is so polarized. They say the No. 1 priority is energize your voters and send these delegates home to work on turn-out operations back home. They are satisfied there.

They say they must make the pivot tonight, though. Senator Edwards, and then Senator Kerry have to address swing voters. It is a relatively small pool, 8 to 12 percent of the American people. They will prove decisive, though, as voters, though. They will fall to the 2 nominees: Senator Edwards first, then Senator Kerry to try to win that mission.

BLITZER: All right, John King reporting from the convention floor. Thanks, John, very much.

With the Democrats big show here in Boston, President Bush remains out of the spotlight at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Crawford had been gearing up for a visit from filmmaker and Bush critic Michael Moore, but it turns out Moore has decided not to show up for a screening of his film, "Fahrenheit 9/11."

One person not at the Crawford Ranch is Vice President Dick Cheney. He is on the stump in Salt Lake City, speaking on behalf of a Utah Republican congressional candidate. And he seized the opportunity to poke some fun at John Kerry.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm not sure I should put that on, I might look like John Kerry did yesterday in that suit down at Cape Canaveral.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Cheney, of course, also strongly defended the administration's war on terror, a consistent theme in all of his campaign speeches.

The bloodiest day in Iraq since the handover: More than 100 people have been killed. Among the deadly attacks, a suicide bomber strikes at a market area. The result: utter carnage. We'll have details.

Plus this:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think what happened, they way he died, as anyone would, there's a lot of time for reflection of your life. It brings hope your mortality.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: A look at John Edwards through his wife's eyes.

Also ahead, Is he really a favorite son? How Massachusetts residents look at John Kerry.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The senior senator from New York state, Charles Schumer, addressing this crowd here at the Democratic National Convention early on day three. At the convention Charles Schumer the senator from New York state.

Coming up shortly though, the senator from Vermont, Patrick Leahy will be speaking and he will directly be responding to the vice president of the United States, Dick Cheney who used as we all know by now a four-letter word during an angry exchange earlier on the Senate floor. We'll take that live once Senator Leahy begins to speak.

Welcome back to our continuing coverage. We're also following a developing story right now out of California. Citing an FBI spokeswoman, the Associated Press reports trace amounts of the deadly toxin Ricin have been found in at least one jar of baby food in the city of Irvine. Last month a local man reportedly told police he found a note inside a jar of baby food warning that it had been contaminated. The FBI and prosecutors are said to be investigating two suspected cases of tampering. No injuries or arrests have been reported. This is a developing story. We'll continue to monitor it for you.

In Iraq now, more than 100 people died today, at least 68 of them slaughtered in the city of Baqubah by a suicide bomber. CNN's Matthew Chance reports from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This was another brutal attack by the insurgents on Iraqis. The powerful car bomb ripped through a crowded market area in the center of Baqubah. A police recruiting station like others hit in the past, was the target.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): While I was standing in the street, the car with the bomb drove by and went straight towards the young people outside the police station and exploded.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We had recruits and we registered their names and told them to line up here in the street.

CHANCE: Scores of dead and injured were carried from the scene. Among those killed, market traders and 21 bus passengers caught in the deadliest attack since sovereignty was handed to an Iraqi government last month.

Iraq's bloody insurgency has shown little sign of easing since then. Away from the carnage in Baqubah insurgents in the flash point town of Ramadi staged attacks on U.S. bases and aircraft. At least two troops were killed and others injured according to military officials.

Elsewhere Iraqi and multinational forces have been on the offensive. Military officials say 35 insurgents were killed and 40 others detained in an operation near Suwara (ph) south of Baghdad. At least seven Iraqi troops were also killed in what military officials say is the kind of joint operation Iraqi and U.S. forces are increasingly engaged in.

The insurgents have been changing their tactics. Recent weeks have seen an upsurge in hostage taking, proving a powerful lever, along with the violence on companies, even countries to abandon Iraq in its chaos.

It's been just one month since sovereignty was transferred from the U.S.-led coalition to the Iraqis. In that time, there have been intensive efforts to try and control the violence and the mayhem. This is a major challenge for the interim Iraqi government, one they say they'll never meet without solid support, both at home and abroad. Matthew Chance, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: In Afghanistan, an explosion at a mosque killed two people, including a local United Nations worker. The blast in a province south of Kabul came as voters were being registered for upcoming elections. Two election workers were seriously wounded. Previous attacks blamed on remnants of the Taliban and al Qaeda have already forced a delay in elections.

The aid group Doctors Without Borders announced today that after 24 years, it's pulling out of Afghanistan saying conditions are no longer safe. It blames threats by the Taliban, lack of action by the Afghan government and the U.S.-led coalition, which the group says has, quote, "blurred the image of aid workers."

Fighting back. Senator Patrick Leahy only moments from now goes on the attack against the man who dismissed him with a profanity. That would be the Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney. We'll bring it to you.

Powerful speakers, each with a message for all Democrats. Which one is best for John Kerry? New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is standing by to join me live.

And speaking out. Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of John Kerry's running mate. She talks about her private and personal life.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy speaking right now to this Democratic convention here in Boston. In his opening comments, he responded directly to the Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney, who used a profanity only a few weeks ago on the Senate floor. This is what Senator Leahy said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. PATRICK LEAHY, VERMONT: I'm Patrick Leahy and I'm from Vermont. The vice president doesn't always agree with me. So if the vice president is watching -- the vice president is watching this, it may be time for him to change channels and turn off his TV set.

(END VIDEO CLIP) BLITZER: I doubt the vice president of the United States is watching Senator Leahy. But he is responding -- Senator Leahy responding to the vice president of the United States.

Welcome back to our continuing coverage from the FleetCenter here in Boston at the Democratic National Convention. Three dramatic speeches each with a unique message were delivered at this convention last night. And each in their own way charged up the thousands of delegates on hand.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: The only thing we have to fear is four more years of George Bush.

HOWARD DEAN (D), FMR. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm voting for John Kerry and John Edwards because I'm tired of seeing hard-working Americans struggling with jobs that pay less than they did four years ago. I'm voting for John Kerry and John Edwards because I want a president and vice president as good and as strong as the American people. I'm voting for John Kerry and John Edwards because I want to see an America that's restored as the moral leader of the world.

BARACK OBAMA (D), ILLINOIS SENATE CANDIDATE: When we send our young men and women into harm's way, we have a solemn obligation not to fudge the numbers or shave the truth about why they're going, to care for their families while they're gone, to tend to the soldiers upon their return, and to never, ever go to war without enough troops to win the war, secure the peace, and earn the respect of the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Three big speeches but which one will really help John Kerry the most for his fight for the White House? Joining us now with his take on all of this, the Democratic governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson. He's also the chairman of this convention. Governor, thanks very much for joining us.

Who hit a home run last night? Be candid.

GOV. BILL RICHARDSON (D), NEW MEXICO: I think Obama did because he's a new face. He represents an immigrant. He spoke from the heart. He hasn't even been elected and he's already a major star. Obviously, Teresa Heinz I think shared her humanity, her background. She's going to be, hopefully, first lady. The American people want to know about the family so the build-up is towards Senator Kerry and Senator Edwards, what kind of people they are, what kind of leadership.

BLITZER: Have these speakers been muzzled?

RICHARDSON: No, no. We decided early on that there would be a positive convention. There's been some brick backs at the president, it's expected. But the main themes are stronger at home, respected overseas, respected in the world. Pretty much everybody has stuck to that. I think you're going to see this in Senator Edwards and Senator Kerry.

BLITZER: Because if you contrast, let's say, Al Gore a few weeks ago, Al Gore here. Howard Dean a few weeks ago, Howard Dean here. Ted Kennedy a few weeks ago, Ted Kennedy here. Everyone has toned it down.

RICHARDSON: Well, everybody is watching this convention. Although the networks hasn't covered it, everybody knows about these conventions. This is the first time the American people are focusing on the November election. So we want to send a positive message to them about that. Ten to 15 percent that is fluctuating, that's undecided, that hasn't made up their mind. And those are the voters we're after, Wolf. And I believe from overnight reaction we are getting a good response.

BLITZER: Yesterday we asked our viewers to give us their comments on this question. What does Senator Kerry have to do on the issue of national security to win the presidential election?

Jefferson wrote us this. We got hundreds of emails, thousands of emails. But I want to read what he said.

"Terrorism poses a graver threat to U.S. security than individual foreign governments. Senator Kerry has to continue the Bush administration's commitment to destroying terrorists wherever they are found, while at the same time rebuilding the bridges that the Bush administration burned with our allies."

Do you agree with that?

RICHARDSON: I agree with that. I agree that the president- elect, Kerry, hopefully, can rebuild those bridges. He's an internationalist. He believes in international cooperation and the U.N. and NATO and Muslim troops and international peace-keeping. I believe at the same time that if a nation poses a threat to our security, Senator Kerry will act. He's a proven, tested leader. He served in Vietnam. He knows the military. He knows our foreign policy. He has an international stint. The key, Wolf, is we will pursue our foreign policy goals with international support, not going it alone.

BLITZER: Governor Richardson, thanks for joining us.

RICHARDSON: Thank you.

BLITZER: What does Senator John Kerry have to do on the issue of the economy to win? We want to hear directly from you. Submit us your thoughts, your suggestions. Go to my Web site, CNN.com/wolf. Click on the link that says "tell us what you think." We'll read some of them here on our program.

Democratic delegates hear from John Edwards tonight. Coming up, we'll have a personal look at the man who could be the next vice president of the United States.

Secretary of State Colin Powell tries to line up Middle Eastern help in Iraq. Could Muslim forces be sent to safeguard that country?

And what's more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Monkeys having a barrel of fun.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: Live from the FleetCenter in Boston once again, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Welcome back. A couple that's thrived amidst both triumph and tragedy. A personal look at John and Elizabeth Edwards as they get ready to take center stage in only a few hours. We'll get to that. First, though, a quick check of other stories now in the news.

A contingent of Muslim troops could be joining coalition forces in Iraq. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says he discussed the possibility with visiting Secretary of State Colin Powell today. Arab sources tell CNN plans for the force are already being made over at the United Nations.

A second overnight search of a landfill as Salt Lake City police look for clues to the disappearance of Lori Hacking. They found nothing of consequence. Her family has called off the volunteer search for the pregnant woman missing for more than nine days. Her husband Mark is the only person of interest police are naming.

Look for possible new details in the Kobe Bryant rape case. The judge says he intends to release all or part of transcripts from closed-door hearings that contain information on the sexual history of Bryant's accuser.

There is word of what's said to be the largest settlement yet stemming from last year's Staten Island ferry accident. An attorney says a woman whose lower body was crushed will get just more than $1 million from New York City. It is the 33rd case to be settled, 150 still are pending.

Keeping you informed. CNN, the most trusted name in news.

For John Edwards this convention is another remarkable step on a journey that started in a personal tragedy which led him to change the course of his life.

Our Kyra Phillips filed this report for CNN's * convention is another remarkable step on a journey that started in a personal tragedy which led him to change the course of his life.

Our Kyra Phillips found this report for CNN's "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Before he graced covers of Time and Newsweek with Democratic nominee John Kerry, before his name was on the list of every television anchor, and even before People magazine named him America's sexiest politician, as far as the legal community of North Carolina was concerned, John Edwards has already a celebrity.

MICHAEL DAYTON, EDITOR, "NORTH CAROLINA LAWYERS WEEKLY": Very few people in the course of their career will get a million dollar verdict or above for a settlement and he had -- in a typical year, he might have five, six, seven, eight, 10 verdicts around that size, which is phenomenal.

PHILLIPS: With a record 54 cases resulting in a verdict or settlement of more than a million dollars, he was fearless.

DAVID KIRBY, FRIEND: He was absolutely at the peek of his legal career. He had achieved everything that you could achieve as a lawyer. He was accepted as the best trial lawyer in the state of North Carolina, possibly the best trial lawyer that's ever practiced law in the state of North Carolina.

PHILLIPS: With his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Wade and Cate, John Edwards was living a life he could only dream of as a boy in Robbins, North Carolina. In the summer of 1995, Edwards even tackled his fear of heights to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with his son. The two had become inseparable. The next year, 16-year-old Wade was driving to the family's beach house when a gust of wind blew his Jeep off the highway. He was killed instantly.

KIRBY: If you understood how close John and Elizabeth were to both their children, to both Wade and Cate and if you had an appreciation for just the devastation that comes with losing a child, I think you can appreciate how as parents they want to keep that part of their lives private.

PHILLIPS: Both John and Elizabeth stopped working and stayed home to grieve for more than six months. The family pulled together, focusing on ways to honor Wade's memory. They created the Wade Edwards Learning Lab, a tutoring center and computer lab built across the street from Wade's high school.

SARAH LOWDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WADE EDWARDS LEARNING LAB: John and Elizabeth were here with paintbrushes and actually helped hammer and paint to get the place up and running. During the first six to eight months that it was in existence, they were here every day working with the students after school.

PHILLIPS: But memories of his own personal tragedy pushed him in a completely new direction.

KIRBY: I think what happened when Wade died, as anyone would, there's a lot of time for reflection on your life. It really brings home your mortality. I think that became a crossroads for John in his life.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Edwards will be introduced tonight by his wife, Elizabeth. And while not previously a national figure, her story is just as intriguing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH EDWARDS, WIFE OF SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS: With this man as your next vice president, tomorrow will be a better day.

BLITZER (voice-over): Two of the words you hear most often associated with Elizabeth Edwards are real and unpretentious. For this political wife now in the brightest of spotlights, there's no other way to be.

E. EDWARDS: If you try to pretend you're something else, be something else, you are going to be uncomfortable with that and voters are going to sense it.

BLITZER: She's a bit of a contrast to Teresa Heinz Kerry, who makes no bones about speaking her mind. The confidence is the same. But Elizabeth Edwards has a different style.

E. EDWARDS: I don't know whether outspoken and direct are the right description of me. I do know that I try to speak with people openly and honestly. And if it doesn't work, that's who I am. And I wouldn't change it.

BLITZER: Elizabeth Edwards was born in Florida and spent part of her childhood in Japan, where her Navy pilot father was stationed. She went to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill for both undergrad and law school and married John Edwards just days after taking the bar exam.

A successful legal career followed, along with children Wade and Cate. But Wade's death in 1996 rocked the family to its core. As Elizabeth Edwards put it, "The music went out of our lives." So, in her late 40s, she had two more children, Emma Claire and Jack, often seen on the campaign trail, which can sometimes be a challenge.

E. EDWARDS: What you just have to do is prepare them and hope that you've taught them a little bit of manners. That doesn't mean that they won't occasionally take the cheese heads they've been given by the staff and head-butt one another.

BLITZER: As for her role, Elizabeth Edwards sees herself as a sounding board for her husband and alerts him to things she thinks he should know. There have been solo campaign appearances, something we're likely to see more of as this very tight race moves into its final weeks.

E. EDWARDS: This is such an important election that I have expressed my willingness to do whatever I need to do to get this ticket elected in November. And I don't know where I'll be.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Elizabeth Edwards and John Edwards, both of them, of course, will be speaking here at the Democratic Convention. Tonight, CNN will have extensive live coverage of those speeches and others as well.

Meanwhile, mixed feelings from the hometown crowd, why Bostonians are not all going crazy for their senator, John Kerry.

And can John Edwards sway the South? I'll ask Louisiana Senator John Breaux. He joins me next.

We'll get to all of that. First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): A Costa Rican officer who was supposed to be guarding the Chilean Embassy in San Jose instead took 10 hostages there. After a standoff, he killed three hostages, as well as himself. The officer had been on the embassy guard detail for five years, but was about to be transferred.

Portugal fires. Portugal is battling a series of wildfires. Firefighters hope to avoid a repetition of last year, when wildfires killed at least 18 people.

Rising waters. The rivers are rising in Bangladesh, which is suffering its worst floods in six years. The death toll from monsoon flooding across Asia now tops 1,200.

Monkey shines. These monkeys in Eastern China know how to beat the summer heat. They climb trees and jump into the cool mountain ponds. All the fun of a tropical resort, and these guys don't even have to pack suntan lotion.

And that's our look around the world.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Robert Kennedy Jr. addressing the crowd here at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. We're watching all of these speakers, especially gearing up for tonight, the prime-time speakers, including, of course, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, John Edwards.

John Kerry already in Boston. He came here. He arrived today. He will be watching all of this on television tonight.

No doubt, there's plenty of enthusiasm for him here in his home state of Massachusetts, but he's not necessarily everyone's favorite son.

Our Boston bureau chief, Dan Lothian, is standing by over at the Park Plaza Hotel with more on that -- Dan.

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN BOSTON BUREAU CHIEF: Hello, Wolf.

Well, Senator Kerry is trying to win the hearts and minds of voters across the country, but he also has another audience that's been around for much of his political career right here in Massachusetts.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN (voice-over): Senator John Kerry's recent appearance at Fenway Park was greeted with both cheers and jeers, the feelings of his hometown crowd shared in the streets.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think he's honest and I think he's moral. And I believe what he says.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We don't know where he actually stands. And that can be confusing for the voters.

LOTHIAN: Even in Kerry's upscale Beacon Hill neighborhood, where there is some pride in a potential president down the block, there is division.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are people who are 100 percent behind him. There are people who don't support him.

LOTHIAN: This is the picture the Kerry campaign has been selling to the nation. But, in Massachusetts, the state he's represented for two decades, a more complex portrait.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think we know him as well as we're going to know him.

DAVID KING, HARVARD INSTITUTE OF POLITICS: A typical Massachusetts politician a back-slapper. And Senator Kerry has always been a chin-scratcher. While Senator Kennedy orates in public, Senator Kerry has deliberated in public.

LOTHIAN: Over the years, that has led some critics here to label him as detached, uninterested in details of the state, more focused on the national stage. Then there is the lingering issue of charisma.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When he goes out there and gives a speech, it's like...

(LAUGHTER)

LOTHIAN: But experts say, Senator Kerry's successful political career in the state shows he has been able to win over the voters, even some of those who don't naturally warm up to him. How has he done it?

DAVID NYHAN, JOURNALIST: They vote for him because he batters down the opposition. He beats the other guy. He is a fighter. And Kerry is not afraid to pull the trigger.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN: Senator Kerry is still a popular figure here in the state. A recent survey put his favorability ratings at 59 percent, unfavorable at 30 percent -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Dan Lothian, our Boston bureau chief -- thanks, Dan, very much.

Let's bring in a special guest right now, the retiring Louisiana Democratic Senator John Breaux.

We're here in the Louisiana delegation. I want to talk a little bit about the Southern strategy. But only a few moments ago, Lynne Cheney, the wife of the vice president, spoke out, criticizing this convention.

Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LYNNE CHENEY, WIFE OF VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: I've been watching what's going on in Boston this week. Maybe you have, too. It's kind of unpleasant, but...

(LAUGHTER)

CHENEY: I've been watching it a little. And, you know, it's such a different approach to the way things -- the way we look at things and the way we think things ought to work. It is kind of a mind-set that they know better, they know more than the rest of us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: What about that, Senator Breaux? Is she right?

SEN. JOHN BREAUX (D), LOUISIANA: I think this has been the most united Democratic Convention I've ever had a chance to attend. It's very, very cohesive. You don't see a lot of negativism. You don't see people trashing the president unnecessarily. I think the whole focus is on a stronger America both here and globally. I think it is a very positive convention.

BLITZER: You often have been on the side of the Democratic Party, that's not necessarily mainstream from the Democrats, more liberal. You are much more moderate. Do you still feel comfortable as a Democrat?

BREAUX: I think it is a good balance on the ticket. We have someone from the Northeast. We have someone from the South. And like I said, John Edwards doesn't have an accent, where I'm from. I think he is going to play well in the South. He will be able to talk about Southern values and talk to small farms, small-business men and women. And I think they will relate to him. He's going to talk about the future, not the fast.

BLITZER: Does he help in Louisiana specifically? Is Louisiana at play?

BREAUX: Louisiana is very much in play. It is going to be tight. It is going to be close. But both sides are going to be spending money down there, advertising.

BLITZER: Is the Kerry campaign spending a lot of money in Louisiana?

BREAUX: Oh, they have been and I think they will be in the future. They said that Louisiana is a targeted stake. And I think the balance of the ticket really helps immensely. I think the South, Northeast, I think it is a good balance.

BLITZER: Because a lot of people weren't even sure that John Edwards would help him carry North Carolina, him home state.

BREAUX: Oh, I guarantee you. I will bet you to a dollar to a doughnut that he carries North Carolina. I think there's a good chance to carry Louisiana as well.

I think the concept of a strong America plays well in the South, both globally and also domestically. And I think they feel there's an efficiency there.

BLITZER: Any other Southern states you think doable?

BREAUX: Oh, I think Arkansas is very doable. I think Florida is very doable as well.

BLITZER: Florida is not necessarily a Southern state.

BREAUX: Well, it is south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

BLITZER: It's in the South.

BREAUX: But, I mean, I think it's in play. I think Arkansas is. I think, clearly, Louisiana is. And there may be others. Oklahoma has got a real good Democratic candidate for the Senate as well.

BLITZER: John Breaux, what are you going to be doing after you leave the Senate?

BREAUX: Looking for a job.

(CROSSTALK)

BREAUX: ... public policy.

BLITZER: You won't have any trouble, I'm sure.

BREAUX: Thank,s Wolf.

BLITZER: Thanks very much for joining us.

BREAUX: Thank you, buddy.

BLITZER: When we come back -- we'll take a break -- we have a lot more coverage, including the youth vote. There's a lot of youth out there. All the candidates want to get some of that vote. Each side wants to nab it. It's one girl, though, who is not even old enough to vote that is grabbing a lot of John Kerry's attention.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You saw the little girl that said he used a bad word. If she did that, she would have been sitting a time-out. Cheney ought to be in time-out.

KERRY: Did she really?

(CROSSTALK)

KERRY: She said that? I don't believe it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The girl in the spotlight, that is coming up.

Plus, a Republican right here in enemy territory. Bill Bennett, he joins me live when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ILANA WEXLER, KIDSFORKERRY.ORG: When our vice president had a disagreement with a Democratic senator, he used a really bad word.

If I said that -- if I said that word, I would be put in a time- out. I think he should be put in a time-out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Twelve-year-old Ilana Wexler the founder of KidsForKerry.org, addressing the convention and calling Vice President Dick Cheney to task.

We want to hear what Republicans have to say about what we're hearing right here. For that, we turn William Bennett, Bill Bennett, as I call him. He served in the Reagan and Bush I administrations. He is now a senior fellow with the Claremont Institute. And he's the host of Bill Bennett's "Morning In America" radio program.

Does Dick Cheney need a little time-out?

WILLIAM BENNETT, SENIOR FELLOW, CLAREMONT INSTITUTE: Well, it's not part of my core curriculum. It is not where I would recommend required courses.

BLITZER: You have known him a long time. I have, too. I was pretty surprised when he had that exchange with Patrick Leahy.

BENNETT: I was surprised, too. But it's the season. I wouldn't have made a big deal out of it. I wouldn't have done it. I wouldn't have made a big deal out of it. I wouldn't have made a big deal out of Teresa Kerry the other day either.

BLITZER: When she said shove it.

BENNETT: Yes.

BLITZER: That's not as bad as what he said.

BENNETT: Oh, no, but she's a lady.

BLITZER: A lady. Well, there's a double standard here?

BENNETT: Of course there is.

(CROSSTALK)

BENNETT: I'm in trouble already.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: I know your wife, too. She is not going to be happy.

BENNETT: I think she will agree me about that.

BLITZER: You're doing your radio program from this convention.

BENNETT: Yes.

BLITZER: Is it enemy territory as far as Bill Bennett is concerned?

BENNETT: People have been very nice, I have to say.

I've been to a lot of conventions, as you have. And people have been very friendly. I think the word is out, though. It is part of the nice offensive, the unity offensive. And I think they've done a good job in getting that out. There's a problem, though, because I still think the underlying motivation is something else.

BLITZER: What is, as far as you can tell, going to be the biggest issue in this campaign?

BENNETT: Oh, for Democrats, it's Bush. But in terms of public policy issues, the issue is, No. 1, 2 and 3, the war on terror.

BLITZER: The economy you think is not going to be a big issue?

BENNETT: Well, I think it's off the table, because I don't think Democrats can say much. I think the economy is clearly coming back.

But I think the war on terror, corollary Iraq, will be the big issues for debate.

BLITZER: And who wins that debate?

BENNETT: I think George Bush wins it. Most of the polls, your CNN poll, show a kind of draw on Iraq, but Bush way ahead in the war on terror.

BLITZER: He does better when people ask if they're favorable, unfavorable on national security issues.

BENNETT: Yes. That's right.

BLITZER: But that comes with the territory, because he's the commander in chief.

BENNETT: Yes, but that's the advantage of the incumbent and the advantage I think of a strong incumbent.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: But 12 years ago, there was an incumbent named Bush and he lost after a win in the war, the first war in Iraq.

BENNETT: People perceive this Bush very differently. You notice the adjectives being used to describe Bush by the people here who are speaking freely are not the ones they used about his father.

BLITZER: They have toned it down, relatively speaking here.

BENNETT: Relatively speaking. It breaks out occasionally.

And I think there's a problem, Wolf, when you cut off the roots of your passion from your rationale. When they had Michael Moore yesterday and Howard Dean

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: Well, Michael Moore was not a speaker here.

BENNETT: No, of course he wasn't a speaker. But there was a mile-long line of people to see him. When Howard Dean took the podium, they cheered and cheered and cheered, but he didn't give that Howard Dean speech.

BLITZER: There's no red meat there.

BENNETT: Yes.

I think the difference is, both parties move to the center convention time. The difference is, we will not deny we're conservatives. But you have not heard the L-word here very much. And I don't think you will.

BLITZER: Bill Bennett, thanks for joining us.

BENNETT: Thanks, Wolf.

BLITZER: Are you enjoying the radio program?

BENNETT: Are you going to get me out of here?

BLITZER: We will get you out of here. BENNETT: I love the radio show.

BLITZER: We've got a witness protection

(CROSSTALK)

BENNETT: I love the radio.

BLITZER: Thanks very much.

BENNETT: Thank you.

BLITZER: In 2004, Florida proved every vote does count. Up next, a delegate from that state joins me. Hear why his ballot will be cast for John Kerry.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: John Mellencamp performing, rehearsing earlier, getting ready for tonight. He will be on stage here at the Democratic National Convention.

As part of our convention coverage this week, our senior analyst, Jeff Greenfield, has been introducing us to some of the delegates. Today, we meet Tony Hill, a Florida state senator.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF GREENFIELD, CNN SR. ANALYST (voice-over): Sunday service, Hope Fellowship Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. For 46-year-old Tony Hill, church is more than a once-a-week routine.

TONY HILL (D), FLORIDA STATE SENATOR: It's not so much religion, just the relationship that I have with my lord and savior, Jesus Christ. It's about my commitment. It's about me being a witness and also making a contribution in society.

GREENFIELD: That contribution includes 14 years in the Florida House and Senate, where he's championed labor and minority causes.

GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: To come in and make a demand that I reverse a decision is just sophomoric.

GREENFIELD: Four years ago, Hill challenged Governor Jeb Bush's order that eliminated affirmative action policies. He led a sit-in at the Capitol.

HILL: And so the governor kind of got up and said, well, if you think I'm going to change my mind, you all might as well get you some blankets because you are going to be here a while. And that started the groundswell to what happened with African-Americans turning out in Florida in 2000.

GREENFIELD: Blacks turned out in record numbers in 2000. HILL: This is the Bethune-Cookman College, where students were denied the right to vote.

GREENFIELD: But according to Hill, much of the statewide undercount of minority votes happened right in the middle of his senatorial district.

HILL: In Jacksonville, 29,000 votes were not counted. We were very upset. We felt we worked hard. We felt that we did everything that we could humanly possibly do. We had asked people to come out and vote, some people who have probably never voted before, and we told them that their vote would count. But, in turn, it didn't count.

GREENFIELD: Hill's anger about what happened in Florida four years ago is tempered by upbeat feelings about race relations in his district. Daytona Beach has an African-American mayor and city council.

HILL: Jackie Robinson was afforded an opportunity to come here to play baseball.

GREENFIELD: The minor league park in Daytona Beach is named after Robinson, who broke the color barrier here.

HILL: March 18, 1946.

I guess Daytona was the only Southern town that reached out to him and told him that, hey, if you came to play, you would enjoy it.

How you doing, man?

GREENFIELD: Hill's optimism carries over to the 2004 election.

HILL: I want to say to people that, don't let anybody take your franchise away from you. And voting is our franchise. Voting is our ticket out of disparity into hope.

GREENFIELD: Jeff Greenfield, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And joining us now live here on the platform, the Florida State Senator tony Hill.

You have a pin that says attitude.

HILL: Yes.

BLITZER: What does that mean?

HILL: Well, it determines your altitude, Wolf. If you have got a good attitude, then you can go places.

BLITZER: The attitude is, you have got to have a positive attitude?

HILL: Yes, sir.

BLITZER: And these delegates from Florida, a lot of them, especially the African-American delegates, are still angry?

HILL: Yes, we're still angry. But we've moved past anger and now we're going to do something.

BLITZER: What are you going to do?

HILL: Well, we're going to start some election summits, because when we were in Florida, we did a lot of voter registration, but we did not do a lot of voter education.

BLITZER: So you're going to get out that vote.

HILL: So we're going to do voter education starting next week with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which is going to be hosted in the district we represent in Jacksonville.

BLITZER: Tony Hill, thanks for joining us.

HILL: Thank you very much, too, Wolf.

BLITZER: And please stay with CNN, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS tomorrow for continuing live coverage of the Democratic National Convention. Tomorrow, the Illinois State Senator Barack Obama. And Senators Barbara Boxer and John Cornyn, they will join me here on this program.

And I'll be back tonight in two hours for our prime-time coverage. Among the speakers, of course, tonight, John Edwards. He'll accept the vice presidential nomination.

Until then, thanks very much for joining us. I'm Wolf Blitzer in Boston.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired July 28, 2004 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, the crowds are ready to hear from John Kerry's No. 2. He'll take the podium tonight, but John Edwards won't take two crucial figures head on.
Also happening this hour, the Democratic Senator on the receiving end of Vice President Dick Cheney's four-letter blast is preparing to respond. You'll hear it on CNN this hour.

Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): One if by land, two if by sea: Kerry arrives to claim his prize.

SEN. JOHN KERRY, (D-MA) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We're going to write the great next chapter of America's next history together.

BLITZER: But tonight belongs to the running mate and the running mate's mate.

ELIZABETH EDWARDS, JOHN EDWARDS' WIFE: These events are, in some ways, bittersweet because we wish he were here sharing with us.

BLITZER: A suicide bomber slaughters dozens in a marketplace as troops fight bloody battles with Iraqi insurgents.

Not so favorite son: Why aren't the residents of Boston going crazy over Kerry?

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS live from the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Hello from Boston where one-time war hero has been getting a hero's welcome. That would be John Kerry.

They used to race up the rivers in Vietnam drawing enemy fire. Today, John Kerry and his former crew mates took a slower ride up the Charles River en route to the nomination.

But tonight, it's John Edwards' turn. He's tried out the podium at the Fleet Center and has put final touches on a speech which has gone through dozens of drafts. They're already speaking here on the podium. Here is Charles Rangel. He's the senior Democratic member of the House of Representatives from New York state, from Harlem. He's got a lot of fans here at the Democratic convention. Charlie Rangel preparing to speak. We'll, of course, go live to the convention throughout this hour.

Let's begin with CNN's Kelly Wallace. She's going to take a look at what John Edwards has been up to today.

Will Edwards take the gloves off tonight? CNN's John king gives us a preview.

But we begin with our Frank Buckley. He's outside the hotel here in Boston where John Kerry is staying -- Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, as you say, John Kerry is finally in Boston, a city he knows so well, arriving in dramatic fashion. John Kerry arriving by boat. First, he arrived at Logan International Airport by plane, then got on a boat with fellow Vietnam veterans, most of them fellow swift boat crew mates from Vietnam.

The campaign hoping that these pictures will help to remind voters of John Kerry's wartime experience, to assure them to say he has led men into war in the past, and, from their point of view, he can lead America as commander in chief.

Kerry arrived, then, to a rally at the Charlestown Navy Yard and spoke to supporters.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to my opportunity a little more than 24 hours from now to share with you, and all of America, a vision for how we're going to make this country stronger at home and respected in the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: John Kerry's arrival here in Boston following a week of campaigning. The campaign described as traveling from John Kerry's birthplace to the birthplace of America, Boston. He started the trip last week in Colorado and then traveled across a number of very important battleground states, finally arriving in Boston today -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Frank Buckley's outside the hotel where John Kerry is staying. Thanks, Frank, very much.

All eyes, of course, are on John Kerry's running mate, John Edwards, as he delivers a prime time speech to the convention delegates. For more on the Senator's day, let's go to CNN national correspondent Kelli Wallace. She's here on the convention floor -- Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, we did not see senator John Edwards today. We are told he remained in seclusion working on this very, very important speech. But we did see him last night. Those of us in the hall after midnight saw the senator trying to get a feel for the Fleet Center, looking at the teleprompter, trying to go through the motions of what it will be like later.

As for (UNINTELLIGIBLE), he says he feels great. And that he is ready.

Earlier this day (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Edwards, and she said she's excited for this time, but it is scary. She will introduce her mother tonight, Elizabeth Edwards, who will then introduce Senator Edwards -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Kelli Wallace on the floor here at the convention. Thanks, Kelli, very much. CNN's John King is joining us now with what we can expect to hear from John Edwards. This, presumably, will be the biggest speech of his life, at least so far.

JOHN KING, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It certainly will be, Wolf. And the jury, not a trial jury as Edwards is used to in North Carolina, but this convention all, and the larger audience of the American people tonight. And you see the North Carolina delegates behind me, among the earliest to arrive, because it is such a big night for their speech.

We are told that John Edwards will do something a bit different for the vice presidential nominee. Usually that is the attack dog role, he will deliver a speech that was tough on the Bush administration and tough on Republican priorities, but he will not mention either President Bush or Vice President Cheney by name.

But John Edwards will say this: He will describe John Kerry as quote, "decisive, strong, aren't these the traits you want in a commander in chief?" That is addressing one of the key priorities in this convention, trying to convince the American people Senator Kerry is prepared to lead the war on terror.

And Senator Edwards will say this, Wolf, about the Republican Party. He will say quote, "the Republicans are doing all they can to take this campaign to the highest office in the land down to the lowest possible road."

So a toughly worded speech. He will draw contrast on taxes, the economy and Iraq. But again, he will not mention the president or his counterpart Vice President Cheney by name -- Wolf.

BLITZER: John, two nights down, two nights to go. You've been talking to these Democrats. What's the sense they're getting right now? Is this convention working the way they hoped it would?

KING: Well, they believe it is working their No. 1 priority, which is exciting Democratic voters. More than any other convention, this is much more about exciting your base.

Normally the strategy is to reach out to independent and swing voters. That is such a small pool this year, because the electorate is so polarized. They say the No. 1 priority is energize your voters and send these delegates home to work on turn-out operations back home. They are satisfied there.

They say they must make the pivot tonight, though. Senator Edwards, and then Senator Kerry have to address swing voters. It is a relatively small pool, 8 to 12 percent of the American people. They will prove decisive, though, as voters, though. They will fall to the 2 nominees: Senator Edwards first, then Senator Kerry to try to win that mission.

BLITZER: All right, John King reporting from the convention floor. Thanks, John, very much.

With the Democrats big show here in Boston, President Bush remains out of the spotlight at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Crawford had been gearing up for a visit from filmmaker and Bush critic Michael Moore, but it turns out Moore has decided not to show up for a screening of his film, "Fahrenheit 9/11."

One person not at the Crawford Ranch is Vice President Dick Cheney. He is on the stump in Salt Lake City, speaking on behalf of a Utah Republican congressional candidate. And he seized the opportunity to poke some fun at John Kerry.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm not sure I should put that on, I might look like John Kerry did yesterday in that suit down at Cape Canaveral.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Cheney, of course, also strongly defended the administration's war on terror, a consistent theme in all of his campaign speeches.

The bloodiest day in Iraq since the handover: More than 100 people have been killed. Among the deadly attacks, a suicide bomber strikes at a market area. The result: utter carnage. We'll have details.

Plus this:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think what happened, they way he died, as anyone would, there's a lot of time for reflection of your life. It brings hope your mortality.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: A look at John Edwards through his wife's eyes.

Also ahead, Is he really a favorite son? How Massachusetts residents look at John Kerry.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The senior senator from New York state, Charles Schumer, addressing this crowd here at the Democratic National Convention early on day three. At the convention Charles Schumer the senator from New York state.

Coming up shortly though, the senator from Vermont, Patrick Leahy will be speaking and he will directly be responding to the vice president of the United States, Dick Cheney who used as we all know by now a four-letter word during an angry exchange earlier on the Senate floor. We'll take that live once Senator Leahy begins to speak.

Welcome back to our continuing coverage. We're also following a developing story right now out of California. Citing an FBI spokeswoman, the Associated Press reports trace amounts of the deadly toxin Ricin have been found in at least one jar of baby food in the city of Irvine. Last month a local man reportedly told police he found a note inside a jar of baby food warning that it had been contaminated. The FBI and prosecutors are said to be investigating two suspected cases of tampering. No injuries or arrests have been reported. This is a developing story. We'll continue to monitor it for you.

In Iraq now, more than 100 people died today, at least 68 of them slaughtered in the city of Baqubah by a suicide bomber. CNN's Matthew Chance reports from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This was another brutal attack by the insurgents on Iraqis. The powerful car bomb ripped through a crowded market area in the center of Baqubah. A police recruiting station like others hit in the past, was the target.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): While I was standing in the street, the car with the bomb drove by and went straight towards the young people outside the police station and exploded.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We had recruits and we registered their names and told them to line up here in the street.

CHANCE: Scores of dead and injured were carried from the scene. Among those killed, market traders and 21 bus passengers caught in the deadliest attack since sovereignty was handed to an Iraqi government last month.

Iraq's bloody insurgency has shown little sign of easing since then. Away from the carnage in Baqubah insurgents in the flash point town of Ramadi staged attacks on U.S. bases and aircraft. At least two troops were killed and others injured according to military officials.

Elsewhere Iraqi and multinational forces have been on the offensive. Military officials say 35 insurgents were killed and 40 others detained in an operation near Suwara (ph) south of Baghdad. At least seven Iraqi troops were also killed in what military officials say is the kind of joint operation Iraqi and U.S. forces are increasingly engaged in.

The insurgents have been changing their tactics. Recent weeks have seen an upsurge in hostage taking, proving a powerful lever, along with the violence on companies, even countries to abandon Iraq in its chaos.

It's been just one month since sovereignty was transferred from the U.S.-led coalition to the Iraqis. In that time, there have been intensive efforts to try and control the violence and the mayhem. This is a major challenge for the interim Iraqi government, one they say they'll never meet without solid support, both at home and abroad. Matthew Chance, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: In Afghanistan, an explosion at a mosque killed two people, including a local United Nations worker. The blast in a province south of Kabul came as voters were being registered for upcoming elections. Two election workers were seriously wounded. Previous attacks blamed on remnants of the Taliban and al Qaeda have already forced a delay in elections.

The aid group Doctors Without Borders announced today that after 24 years, it's pulling out of Afghanistan saying conditions are no longer safe. It blames threats by the Taliban, lack of action by the Afghan government and the U.S.-led coalition, which the group says has, quote, "blurred the image of aid workers."

Fighting back. Senator Patrick Leahy only moments from now goes on the attack against the man who dismissed him with a profanity. That would be the Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney. We'll bring it to you.

Powerful speakers, each with a message for all Democrats. Which one is best for John Kerry? New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is standing by to join me live.

And speaking out. Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of John Kerry's running mate. She talks about her private and personal life.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy speaking right now to this Democratic convention here in Boston. In his opening comments, he responded directly to the Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney, who used a profanity only a few weeks ago on the Senate floor. This is what Senator Leahy said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. PATRICK LEAHY, VERMONT: I'm Patrick Leahy and I'm from Vermont. The vice president doesn't always agree with me. So if the vice president is watching -- the vice president is watching this, it may be time for him to change channels and turn off his TV set.

(END VIDEO CLIP) BLITZER: I doubt the vice president of the United States is watching Senator Leahy. But he is responding -- Senator Leahy responding to the vice president of the United States.

Welcome back to our continuing coverage from the FleetCenter here in Boston at the Democratic National Convention. Three dramatic speeches each with a unique message were delivered at this convention last night. And each in their own way charged up the thousands of delegates on hand.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: The only thing we have to fear is four more years of George Bush.

HOWARD DEAN (D), FMR. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm voting for John Kerry and John Edwards because I'm tired of seeing hard-working Americans struggling with jobs that pay less than they did four years ago. I'm voting for John Kerry and John Edwards because I want a president and vice president as good and as strong as the American people. I'm voting for John Kerry and John Edwards because I want to see an America that's restored as the moral leader of the world.

BARACK OBAMA (D), ILLINOIS SENATE CANDIDATE: When we send our young men and women into harm's way, we have a solemn obligation not to fudge the numbers or shave the truth about why they're going, to care for their families while they're gone, to tend to the soldiers upon their return, and to never, ever go to war without enough troops to win the war, secure the peace, and earn the respect of the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Three big speeches but which one will really help John Kerry the most for his fight for the White House? Joining us now with his take on all of this, the Democratic governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson. He's also the chairman of this convention. Governor, thanks very much for joining us.

Who hit a home run last night? Be candid.

GOV. BILL RICHARDSON (D), NEW MEXICO: I think Obama did because he's a new face. He represents an immigrant. He spoke from the heart. He hasn't even been elected and he's already a major star. Obviously, Teresa Heinz I think shared her humanity, her background. She's going to be, hopefully, first lady. The American people want to know about the family so the build-up is towards Senator Kerry and Senator Edwards, what kind of people they are, what kind of leadership.

BLITZER: Have these speakers been muzzled?

RICHARDSON: No, no. We decided early on that there would be a positive convention. There's been some brick backs at the president, it's expected. But the main themes are stronger at home, respected overseas, respected in the world. Pretty much everybody has stuck to that. I think you're going to see this in Senator Edwards and Senator Kerry.

BLITZER: Because if you contrast, let's say, Al Gore a few weeks ago, Al Gore here. Howard Dean a few weeks ago, Howard Dean here. Ted Kennedy a few weeks ago, Ted Kennedy here. Everyone has toned it down.

RICHARDSON: Well, everybody is watching this convention. Although the networks hasn't covered it, everybody knows about these conventions. This is the first time the American people are focusing on the November election. So we want to send a positive message to them about that. Ten to 15 percent that is fluctuating, that's undecided, that hasn't made up their mind. And those are the voters we're after, Wolf. And I believe from overnight reaction we are getting a good response.

BLITZER: Yesterday we asked our viewers to give us their comments on this question. What does Senator Kerry have to do on the issue of national security to win the presidential election?

Jefferson wrote us this. We got hundreds of emails, thousands of emails. But I want to read what he said.

"Terrorism poses a graver threat to U.S. security than individual foreign governments. Senator Kerry has to continue the Bush administration's commitment to destroying terrorists wherever they are found, while at the same time rebuilding the bridges that the Bush administration burned with our allies."

Do you agree with that?

RICHARDSON: I agree with that. I agree that the president- elect, Kerry, hopefully, can rebuild those bridges. He's an internationalist. He believes in international cooperation and the U.N. and NATO and Muslim troops and international peace-keeping. I believe at the same time that if a nation poses a threat to our security, Senator Kerry will act. He's a proven, tested leader. He served in Vietnam. He knows the military. He knows our foreign policy. He has an international stint. The key, Wolf, is we will pursue our foreign policy goals with international support, not going it alone.

BLITZER: Governor Richardson, thanks for joining us.

RICHARDSON: Thank you.

BLITZER: What does Senator John Kerry have to do on the issue of the economy to win? We want to hear directly from you. Submit us your thoughts, your suggestions. Go to my Web site, CNN.com/wolf. Click on the link that says "tell us what you think." We'll read some of them here on our program.

Democratic delegates hear from John Edwards tonight. Coming up, we'll have a personal look at the man who could be the next vice president of the United States.

Secretary of State Colin Powell tries to line up Middle Eastern help in Iraq. Could Muslim forces be sent to safeguard that country?

And what's more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Monkeys having a barrel of fun.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: Live from the FleetCenter in Boston once again, Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Welcome back. A couple that's thrived amidst both triumph and tragedy. A personal look at John and Elizabeth Edwards as they get ready to take center stage in only a few hours. We'll get to that. First, though, a quick check of other stories now in the news.

A contingent of Muslim troops could be joining coalition forces in Iraq. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says he discussed the possibility with visiting Secretary of State Colin Powell today. Arab sources tell CNN plans for the force are already being made over at the United Nations.

A second overnight search of a landfill as Salt Lake City police look for clues to the disappearance of Lori Hacking. They found nothing of consequence. Her family has called off the volunteer search for the pregnant woman missing for more than nine days. Her husband Mark is the only person of interest police are naming.

Look for possible new details in the Kobe Bryant rape case. The judge says he intends to release all or part of transcripts from closed-door hearings that contain information on the sexual history of Bryant's accuser.

There is word of what's said to be the largest settlement yet stemming from last year's Staten Island ferry accident. An attorney says a woman whose lower body was crushed will get just more than $1 million from New York City. It is the 33rd case to be settled, 150 still are pending.

Keeping you informed. CNN, the most trusted name in news.

For John Edwards this convention is another remarkable step on a journey that started in a personal tragedy which led him to change the course of his life.

Our Kyra Phillips filed this report for CNN's * convention is another remarkable step on a journey that started in a personal tragedy which led him to change the course of his life.

Our Kyra Phillips found this report for CNN's "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Before he graced covers of Time and Newsweek with Democratic nominee John Kerry, before his name was on the list of every television anchor, and even before People magazine named him America's sexiest politician, as far as the legal community of North Carolina was concerned, John Edwards has already a celebrity.

MICHAEL DAYTON, EDITOR, "NORTH CAROLINA LAWYERS WEEKLY": Very few people in the course of their career will get a million dollar verdict or above for a settlement and he had -- in a typical year, he might have five, six, seven, eight, 10 verdicts around that size, which is phenomenal.

PHILLIPS: With a record 54 cases resulting in a verdict or settlement of more than a million dollars, he was fearless.

DAVID KIRBY, FRIEND: He was absolutely at the peek of his legal career. He had achieved everything that you could achieve as a lawyer. He was accepted as the best trial lawyer in the state of North Carolina, possibly the best trial lawyer that's ever practiced law in the state of North Carolina.

PHILLIPS: With his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Wade and Cate, John Edwards was living a life he could only dream of as a boy in Robbins, North Carolina. In the summer of 1995, Edwards even tackled his fear of heights to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with his son. The two had become inseparable. The next year, 16-year-old Wade was driving to the family's beach house when a gust of wind blew his Jeep off the highway. He was killed instantly.

KIRBY: If you understood how close John and Elizabeth were to both their children, to both Wade and Cate and if you had an appreciation for just the devastation that comes with losing a child, I think you can appreciate how as parents they want to keep that part of their lives private.

PHILLIPS: Both John and Elizabeth stopped working and stayed home to grieve for more than six months. The family pulled together, focusing on ways to honor Wade's memory. They created the Wade Edwards Learning Lab, a tutoring center and computer lab built across the street from Wade's high school.

SARAH LOWDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WADE EDWARDS LEARNING LAB: John and Elizabeth were here with paintbrushes and actually helped hammer and paint to get the place up and running. During the first six to eight months that it was in existence, they were here every day working with the students after school.

PHILLIPS: But memories of his own personal tragedy pushed him in a completely new direction.

KIRBY: I think what happened when Wade died, as anyone would, there's a lot of time for reflection on your life. It really brings home your mortality. I think that became a crossroads for John in his life.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Edwards will be introduced tonight by his wife, Elizabeth. And while not previously a national figure, her story is just as intriguing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH EDWARDS, WIFE OF SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS: With this man as your next vice president, tomorrow will be a better day.

BLITZER (voice-over): Two of the words you hear most often associated with Elizabeth Edwards are real and unpretentious. For this political wife now in the brightest of spotlights, there's no other way to be.

E. EDWARDS: If you try to pretend you're something else, be something else, you are going to be uncomfortable with that and voters are going to sense it.

BLITZER: She's a bit of a contrast to Teresa Heinz Kerry, who makes no bones about speaking her mind. The confidence is the same. But Elizabeth Edwards has a different style.

E. EDWARDS: I don't know whether outspoken and direct are the right description of me. I do know that I try to speak with people openly and honestly. And if it doesn't work, that's who I am. And I wouldn't change it.

BLITZER: Elizabeth Edwards was born in Florida and spent part of her childhood in Japan, where her Navy pilot father was stationed. She went to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill for both undergrad and law school and married John Edwards just days after taking the bar exam.

A successful legal career followed, along with children Wade and Cate. But Wade's death in 1996 rocked the family to its core. As Elizabeth Edwards put it, "The music went out of our lives." So, in her late 40s, she had two more children, Emma Claire and Jack, often seen on the campaign trail, which can sometimes be a challenge.

E. EDWARDS: What you just have to do is prepare them and hope that you've taught them a little bit of manners. That doesn't mean that they won't occasionally take the cheese heads they've been given by the staff and head-butt one another.

BLITZER: As for her role, Elizabeth Edwards sees herself as a sounding board for her husband and alerts him to things she thinks he should know. There have been solo campaign appearances, something we're likely to see more of as this very tight race moves into its final weeks.

E. EDWARDS: This is such an important election that I have expressed my willingness to do whatever I need to do to get this ticket elected in November. And I don't know where I'll be.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Elizabeth Edwards and John Edwards, both of them, of course, will be speaking here at the Democratic Convention. Tonight, CNN will have extensive live coverage of those speeches and others as well.

Meanwhile, mixed feelings from the hometown crowd, why Bostonians are not all going crazy for their senator, John Kerry.

And can John Edwards sway the South? I'll ask Louisiana Senator John Breaux. He joins me next.

We'll get to all of that. First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): A Costa Rican officer who was supposed to be guarding the Chilean Embassy in San Jose instead took 10 hostages there. After a standoff, he killed three hostages, as well as himself. The officer had been on the embassy guard detail for five years, but was about to be transferred.

Portugal fires. Portugal is battling a series of wildfires. Firefighters hope to avoid a repetition of last year, when wildfires killed at least 18 people.

Rising waters. The rivers are rising in Bangladesh, which is suffering its worst floods in six years. The death toll from monsoon flooding across Asia now tops 1,200.

Monkey shines. These monkeys in Eastern China know how to beat the summer heat. They climb trees and jump into the cool mountain ponds. All the fun of a tropical resort, and these guys don't even have to pack suntan lotion.

And that's our look around the world.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Robert Kennedy Jr. addressing the crowd here at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. We're watching all of these speakers, especially gearing up for tonight, the prime-time speakers, including, of course, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, John Edwards.

John Kerry already in Boston. He came here. He arrived today. He will be watching all of this on television tonight.

No doubt, there's plenty of enthusiasm for him here in his home state of Massachusetts, but he's not necessarily everyone's favorite son.

Our Boston bureau chief, Dan Lothian, is standing by over at the Park Plaza Hotel with more on that -- Dan.

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN BOSTON BUREAU CHIEF: Hello, Wolf.

Well, Senator Kerry is trying to win the hearts and minds of voters across the country, but he also has another audience that's been around for much of his political career right here in Massachusetts.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN (voice-over): Senator John Kerry's recent appearance at Fenway Park was greeted with both cheers and jeers, the feelings of his hometown crowd shared in the streets.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think he's honest and I think he's moral. And I believe what he says.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We don't know where he actually stands. And that can be confusing for the voters.

LOTHIAN: Even in Kerry's upscale Beacon Hill neighborhood, where there is some pride in a potential president down the block, there is division.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are people who are 100 percent behind him. There are people who don't support him.

LOTHIAN: This is the picture the Kerry campaign has been selling to the nation. But, in Massachusetts, the state he's represented for two decades, a more complex portrait.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think we know him as well as we're going to know him.

DAVID KING, HARVARD INSTITUTE OF POLITICS: A typical Massachusetts politician a back-slapper. And Senator Kerry has always been a chin-scratcher. While Senator Kennedy orates in public, Senator Kerry has deliberated in public.

LOTHIAN: Over the years, that has led some critics here to label him as detached, uninterested in details of the state, more focused on the national stage. Then there is the lingering issue of charisma.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When he goes out there and gives a speech, it's like...

(LAUGHTER)

LOTHIAN: But experts say, Senator Kerry's successful political career in the state shows he has been able to win over the voters, even some of those who don't naturally warm up to him. How has he done it?

DAVID NYHAN, JOURNALIST: They vote for him because he batters down the opposition. He beats the other guy. He is a fighter. And Kerry is not afraid to pull the trigger.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN: Senator Kerry is still a popular figure here in the state. A recent survey put his favorability ratings at 59 percent, unfavorable at 30 percent -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Dan Lothian, our Boston bureau chief -- thanks, Dan, very much.

Let's bring in a special guest right now, the retiring Louisiana Democratic Senator John Breaux.

We're here in the Louisiana delegation. I want to talk a little bit about the Southern strategy. But only a few moments ago, Lynne Cheney, the wife of the vice president, spoke out, criticizing this convention.

Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LYNNE CHENEY, WIFE OF VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: I've been watching what's going on in Boston this week. Maybe you have, too. It's kind of unpleasant, but...

(LAUGHTER)

CHENEY: I've been watching it a little. And, you know, it's such a different approach to the way things -- the way we look at things and the way we think things ought to work. It is kind of a mind-set that they know better, they know more than the rest of us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: What about that, Senator Breaux? Is she right?

SEN. JOHN BREAUX (D), LOUISIANA: I think this has been the most united Democratic Convention I've ever had a chance to attend. It's very, very cohesive. You don't see a lot of negativism. You don't see people trashing the president unnecessarily. I think the whole focus is on a stronger America both here and globally. I think it is a very positive convention.

BLITZER: You often have been on the side of the Democratic Party, that's not necessarily mainstream from the Democrats, more liberal. You are much more moderate. Do you still feel comfortable as a Democrat?

BREAUX: I think it is a good balance on the ticket. We have someone from the Northeast. We have someone from the South. And like I said, John Edwards doesn't have an accent, where I'm from. I think he is going to play well in the South. He will be able to talk about Southern values and talk to small farms, small-business men and women. And I think they will relate to him. He's going to talk about the future, not the fast.

BLITZER: Does he help in Louisiana specifically? Is Louisiana at play?

BREAUX: Louisiana is very much in play. It is going to be tight. It is going to be close. But both sides are going to be spending money down there, advertising.

BLITZER: Is the Kerry campaign spending a lot of money in Louisiana?

BREAUX: Oh, they have been and I think they will be in the future. They said that Louisiana is a targeted stake. And I think the balance of the ticket really helps immensely. I think the South, Northeast, I think it is a good balance.

BLITZER: Because a lot of people weren't even sure that John Edwards would help him carry North Carolina, him home state.

BREAUX: Oh, I guarantee you. I will bet you to a dollar to a doughnut that he carries North Carolina. I think there's a good chance to carry Louisiana as well.

I think the concept of a strong America plays well in the South, both globally and also domestically. And I think they feel there's an efficiency there.

BLITZER: Any other Southern states you think doable?

BREAUX: Oh, I think Arkansas is very doable. I think Florida is very doable as well.

BLITZER: Florida is not necessarily a Southern state.

BREAUX: Well, it is south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

BLITZER: It's in the South.

BREAUX: But, I mean, I think it's in play. I think Arkansas is. I think, clearly, Louisiana is. And there may be others. Oklahoma has got a real good Democratic candidate for the Senate as well.

BLITZER: John Breaux, what are you going to be doing after you leave the Senate?

BREAUX: Looking for a job.

(CROSSTALK)

BREAUX: ... public policy.

BLITZER: You won't have any trouble, I'm sure.

BREAUX: Thank,s Wolf.

BLITZER: Thanks very much for joining us.

BREAUX: Thank you, buddy.

BLITZER: When we come back -- we'll take a break -- we have a lot more coverage, including the youth vote. There's a lot of youth out there. All the candidates want to get some of that vote. Each side wants to nab it. It's one girl, though, who is not even old enough to vote that is grabbing a lot of John Kerry's attention.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You saw the little girl that said he used a bad word. If she did that, she would have been sitting a time-out. Cheney ought to be in time-out.

KERRY: Did she really?

(CROSSTALK)

KERRY: She said that? I don't believe it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The girl in the spotlight, that is coming up.

Plus, a Republican right here in enemy territory. Bill Bennett, he joins me live when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ILANA WEXLER, KIDSFORKERRY.ORG: When our vice president had a disagreement with a Democratic senator, he used a really bad word.

If I said that -- if I said that word, I would be put in a time- out. I think he should be put in a time-out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Twelve-year-old Ilana Wexler the founder of KidsForKerry.org, addressing the convention and calling Vice President Dick Cheney to task.

We want to hear what Republicans have to say about what we're hearing right here. For that, we turn William Bennett, Bill Bennett, as I call him. He served in the Reagan and Bush I administrations. He is now a senior fellow with the Claremont Institute. And he's the host of Bill Bennett's "Morning In America" radio program.

Does Dick Cheney need a little time-out?

WILLIAM BENNETT, SENIOR FELLOW, CLAREMONT INSTITUTE: Well, it's not part of my core curriculum. It is not where I would recommend required courses.

BLITZER: You have known him a long time. I have, too. I was pretty surprised when he had that exchange with Patrick Leahy.

BENNETT: I was surprised, too. But it's the season. I wouldn't have made a big deal out of it. I wouldn't have done it. I wouldn't have made a big deal out of it. I wouldn't have made a big deal out of Teresa Kerry the other day either.

BLITZER: When she said shove it.

BENNETT: Yes.

BLITZER: That's not as bad as what he said.

BENNETT: Oh, no, but she's a lady.

BLITZER: A lady. Well, there's a double standard here?

BENNETT: Of course there is.

(CROSSTALK)

BENNETT: I'm in trouble already.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: I know your wife, too. She is not going to be happy.

BENNETT: I think she will agree me about that.

BLITZER: You're doing your radio program from this convention.

BENNETT: Yes.

BLITZER: Is it enemy territory as far as Bill Bennett is concerned?

BENNETT: People have been very nice, I have to say.

I've been to a lot of conventions, as you have. And people have been very friendly. I think the word is out, though. It is part of the nice offensive, the unity offensive. And I think they've done a good job in getting that out. There's a problem, though, because I still think the underlying motivation is something else.

BLITZER: What is, as far as you can tell, going to be the biggest issue in this campaign?

BENNETT: Oh, for Democrats, it's Bush. But in terms of public policy issues, the issue is, No. 1, 2 and 3, the war on terror.

BLITZER: The economy you think is not going to be a big issue?

BENNETT: Well, I think it's off the table, because I don't think Democrats can say much. I think the economy is clearly coming back.

But I think the war on terror, corollary Iraq, will be the big issues for debate.

BLITZER: And who wins that debate?

BENNETT: I think George Bush wins it. Most of the polls, your CNN poll, show a kind of draw on Iraq, but Bush way ahead in the war on terror.

BLITZER: He does better when people ask if they're favorable, unfavorable on national security issues.

BENNETT: Yes. That's right.

BLITZER: But that comes with the territory, because he's the commander in chief.

BENNETT: Yes, but that's the advantage of the incumbent and the advantage I think of a strong incumbent.

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: But 12 years ago, there was an incumbent named Bush and he lost after a win in the war, the first war in Iraq.

BENNETT: People perceive this Bush very differently. You notice the adjectives being used to describe Bush by the people here who are speaking freely are not the ones they used about his father.

BLITZER: They have toned it down, relatively speaking here.

BENNETT: Relatively speaking. It breaks out occasionally.

And I think there's a problem, Wolf, when you cut off the roots of your passion from your rationale. When they had Michael Moore yesterday and Howard Dean

(CROSSTALK)

BLITZER: Well, Michael Moore was not a speaker here.

BENNETT: No, of course he wasn't a speaker. But there was a mile-long line of people to see him. When Howard Dean took the podium, they cheered and cheered and cheered, but he didn't give that Howard Dean speech.

BLITZER: There's no red meat there.

BENNETT: Yes.

I think the difference is, both parties move to the center convention time. The difference is, we will not deny we're conservatives. But you have not heard the L-word here very much. And I don't think you will.

BLITZER: Bill Bennett, thanks for joining us.

BENNETT: Thanks, Wolf.

BLITZER: Are you enjoying the radio program?

BENNETT: Are you going to get me out of here?

BLITZER: We will get you out of here. BENNETT: I love the radio show.

BLITZER: We've got a witness protection

(CROSSTALK)

BENNETT: I love the radio.

BLITZER: Thanks very much.

BENNETT: Thank you.

BLITZER: In 2004, Florida proved every vote does count. Up next, a delegate from that state joins me. Hear why his ballot will be cast for John Kerry.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: John Mellencamp performing, rehearsing earlier, getting ready for tonight. He will be on stage here at the Democratic National Convention.

As part of our convention coverage this week, our senior analyst, Jeff Greenfield, has been introducing us to some of the delegates. Today, we meet Tony Hill, a Florida state senator.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF GREENFIELD, CNN SR. ANALYST (voice-over): Sunday service, Hope Fellowship Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. For 46-year-old Tony Hill, church is more than a once-a-week routine.

TONY HILL (D), FLORIDA STATE SENATOR: It's not so much religion, just the relationship that I have with my lord and savior, Jesus Christ. It's about my commitment. It's about me being a witness and also making a contribution in society.

GREENFIELD: That contribution includes 14 years in the Florida House and Senate, where he's championed labor and minority causes.

GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: To come in and make a demand that I reverse a decision is just sophomoric.

GREENFIELD: Four years ago, Hill challenged Governor Jeb Bush's order that eliminated affirmative action policies. He led a sit-in at the Capitol.

HILL: And so the governor kind of got up and said, well, if you think I'm going to change my mind, you all might as well get you some blankets because you are going to be here a while. And that started the groundswell to what happened with African-Americans turning out in Florida in 2000.

GREENFIELD: Blacks turned out in record numbers in 2000. HILL: This is the Bethune-Cookman College, where students were denied the right to vote.

GREENFIELD: But according to Hill, much of the statewide undercount of minority votes happened right in the middle of his senatorial district.

HILL: In Jacksonville, 29,000 votes were not counted. We were very upset. We felt we worked hard. We felt that we did everything that we could humanly possibly do. We had asked people to come out and vote, some people who have probably never voted before, and we told them that their vote would count. But, in turn, it didn't count.

GREENFIELD: Hill's anger about what happened in Florida four years ago is tempered by upbeat feelings about race relations in his district. Daytona Beach has an African-American mayor and city council.

HILL: Jackie Robinson was afforded an opportunity to come here to play baseball.

GREENFIELD: The minor league park in Daytona Beach is named after Robinson, who broke the color barrier here.

HILL: March 18, 1946.

I guess Daytona was the only Southern town that reached out to him and told him that, hey, if you came to play, you would enjoy it.

How you doing, man?

GREENFIELD: Hill's optimism carries over to the 2004 election.

HILL: I want to say to people that, don't let anybody take your franchise away from you. And voting is our franchise. Voting is our ticket out of disparity into hope.

GREENFIELD: Jeff Greenfield, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And joining us now live here on the platform, the Florida State Senator tony Hill.

You have a pin that says attitude.

HILL: Yes.

BLITZER: What does that mean?

HILL: Well, it determines your altitude, Wolf. If you have got a good attitude, then you can go places.

BLITZER: The attitude is, you have got to have a positive attitude?

HILL: Yes, sir.

BLITZER: And these delegates from Florida, a lot of them, especially the African-American delegates, are still angry?

HILL: Yes, we're still angry. But we've moved past anger and now we're going to do something.

BLITZER: What are you going to do?

HILL: Well, we're going to start some election summits, because when we were in Florida, we did a lot of voter registration, but we did not do a lot of voter education.

BLITZER: So you're going to get out that vote.

HILL: So we're going to do voter education starting next week with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which is going to be hosted in the district we represent in Jacksonville.

BLITZER: Tony Hill, thanks for joining us.

HILL: Thank you very much, too, Wolf.

BLITZER: And please stay with CNN, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS tomorrow for continuing live coverage of the Democratic National Convention. Tomorrow, the Illinois State Senator Barack Obama. And Senators Barbara Boxer and John Cornyn, they will join me here on this program.

And I'll be back tonight in two hours for our prime-time coverage. Among the speakers, of course, tonight, John Edwards. He'll accept the vice presidential nomination.

Until then, thanks very much for joining us. I'm Wolf Blitzer in Boston.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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