Sen. John Kerry speaks during the 2008 Democratic National Convention on Aug. 27
He has clearly grown as a communicator since 2004, and in a lively, confident speech, managed to poke some fun at himself, settle some old scores and make a compelling argument for his party's new nominee. He went after old friend, fellow vet and longtime colleague John McCain with a blistering attack on his principles and agenda, and gave a sincere, mature argument for an Obama presidency.
But he is still clearly caught up in what happened to him during the swiftboating end of his candidacy — enough with the Karl Rove references.
— by Mark Halperin