DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

The 43rd Democratic National Convention took place this past week. It ran from August 14, 2000 to August 17, 2000. On the last day of the convention, Al Gore officially accepted the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States. The "Picture of the Week" photograph shows the excited atmosphere at the convention which was held in Los Angeles, California.

The Democrats portrayed a Party that would carry on the success of the last eight years. On the first day of the convention, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hilary Clinton spoke to screaming, enthusiastic crowds. President Clinton endorsed Al Gore as the best choice for the "President to take this country into the new millenium."

On Tuesday, the one of the featured speakers was Caroline Kennedy. Many adults remember her as the little girl who danced and played with her brother around the Oval Office and who rode her pony on the White House lawn. Her speech at the Democratic National Convention came 40 years after her father's nomination for president by the same party in the same city. Caroline is usually a private person, but she is said to have spoken at this convention to help preserve her father's legacy, memory, and role in the Democratic Party.

On the third night of the convention, Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman, accepted the party's nomination. Lieberman introduced himself as a universal figure for America. He portrayed himself as a son who traveled from humble beginnings to the apex of the American dream. He criticized George W. Bush and praised Al Gore. He declared to the nation, "I believe that the next frontier isn't just in front of us, but inside of us - to overcome the differences that are still between us, to break down the barriers that remain; and to help every American claim the limitless possibilities of our own lives."

Karenna Gore, the daughter of Al Gore, also spoke Wednesday night on her father's behalf. She spoke of him as the "most wonderful father in the whole world". Gore even surprised his daughter on stage while she was delivering her speech to the nation.

Al Gore arrived in Los Angeles for the convention on Wednesday when Air Force Two landed at the Burbank airport. An enthusiastic crowd greeted him on the hot and sunny California afternoon. Upon landing in California Gore stated, "I love California…. Victory starts in California."

Al Gore officially accepted the Democratic Presidential Nomination on Thursday, August 17, 2000. He delivered his acceptance speech to an enthusiastic crowd of thousands.

With both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions over, the presidential race can officially begin. Be sure to vote in the kidsnewsroom.com presidential pole so we can see who our readers are hoping will be our next great American leader!

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