I’m not sure how many in my audience actually watched the Republican convention. I had a tough enough time just sitting there without my veins popping. Never have I seen so many supposed leaders sprout so many falsehoods and outright lies to spread hate and division. Never have I seen so many supposed leaders fear an involved American public to as not offer one fact or offer one solid program to back up what they say, so as to avoid scrutiny.

They fear an involved public. Their story: You’re not safe, let us handle it, and if you think we’re wrong, or even question us, you’re the enemy.

Why do you think it is that the higher the turnout, the worst it is for Bush? Think! Think! Think!

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for security.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for justice.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for liberty.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for the future.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, not for the American dream.

Each of these points can be backed up by Bush policies and their results since 9/11.

Wouldn’t you want to support a candidate with plans for the future, that trusts the American people with more sustenance than what a five syllable sound bite can provide?

My job tonight is an easy one: to present to you one of this nation’s authentic heroes, one of this party’s best-known and greatest leaders ? and a good friend.

He was once a lieutenant governor ? but he didn’t stay in that office 16 years, like someone else I know. It just took two years before the people of Massachusetts moved him into the United States Senate in 1984.

In his 16 years in the Senate, John Kerry has fought against government waste and worked hard to bring some accountability to Washington.

Early in his Senate career in 1986, John signed on to the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Deficit Reduction Bill, and he fought for balanced budgets before it was considered politically correct for Democrats to do so.

John has worked to strengthen our military, reform public education, boost the economy and protect the environment. Business Week magazine named him one of the top pro-technology legislators and made him a member of its “Digital Dozen.”

John was re-elected in 1990 and again in 1996 ? when he defeated popular Republican Governor William Weld in the most closely watched Senate race in the country.

John is a graduate of Yale University and was a gunboat officer in the Navy. He received a Silver Star, Bronze Star and three awards of the Purple Heart for combat duty in Vietnam. He later co-founded the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Zell Miller introducing John Kerry at a 2001 party dinner.

Yep, that’s the same Zell Miller who gave that lie filled speech the other night.