The fireworks exploded in the night sky and illuminated John Kerry dancing on the stage next to Boston harbour. It was way past midnight and he had delivered the most important speech of his life.
The man who would be president punched the air and gleefully pointed at the colourful explosions like a teenager. As the theme from Star Wars blared out at the public party, his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, laughed and mimed playing a violin. Their children looked on in celebration.
The Kerrys had every reason for feeling pleased with themselves. The Democrats had just completed one of the most remarkable conventions in their recent history. Normally famed for squabbling, the party united solidly behind Kerry. From left to right internal critics morphed into firm supporters. The party draped itself in patriotism and the heroism of Kerry's Vietnam record.
It was a stunning turnaround. Just a year ago, as Democrat activists scanned an unknown and fractious field of contenders, it seemed Kerry and his ilk were battling only for the right to lose to President George Bush. Kerry, if he won the nomination, would be a sacrificial lamb.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1273709,00.html
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