Democratic Party's platform is giving Kerry room to run

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http://www.boston.com/news/politics/conventions/articles/2004/07/27/democratic_partys_platform_is_giving_kerry_room_to_run/

Democratic Party's platform is giving Kerry room to run
By Brian C. Mooney, Globe Staff | July 27, 2004

The platform that the Democratic National Convention will adopt today is studiously vague or silent on an array of issues that has split the often fractious party in the past or provided rich targets for Republicans.

From the invasion of Iraq to global warming, rough spots have been sandpapered down in planks upon which the candidacies of John F. Kerry and congressional contenders will stand. The platform is nonbinding for any candidate, but the dearth of deviations from mainstream Democratic orthodoxy could deprive the GOP of some ammunition in November elections. It also could provide additional running room for Senate and House candidates on some hot-button issues in more-conservative states.

Earlier this month in Florida, Kerry campaign agents successfully prevented activists from winning enough support for minority reports to the convention on Iraq and other issues. As a result, the convention today will vote up or down on the entire platform with no possibility of amendments.<snip>