"I had hoped to be back here this week under different circumstances, running for re-election... But you know the old saying: You win some, you lose some. And then there's that little-known third category."
-- Vice President Al Gore

"We cannot lead if our leaders mislead... Recent policies have cost our nation its reputation as the world's most admired champion of freedom and justice. What a difference these few months of extremism have made... Ultimately, the issue is whether America will provide global leadership that springs from the unity and integrity of the American people or whether extremist doctrines and the manipulation of truth will define America's role in the world. At stake is nothing less than our nation's soul."
-- President Jimmy Carter

"Our dominant international challenge is to restore the greatness of America -- based on telling the truth, a commitment to peace, and respect for civil liberties at home and basic human rights around the world. Truth is the foundation of our global leadership, but our credibility has been shattered, and we are left increasingly isolated and vulnerable in a hostile world. Without truth -- without trust -- America cannot flourish. Trust is at the very heart of our democracy, the sacred covenant between the president and the people... When that trust is violated, the bonds that hold our republic together begin to weaken... After 9/11, America stood proud, wounded but determined and united. A cowardly attack on innocent civilians brought us an unprecedented level of cooperation and understanding around the world. But in just 34 months, we have watched with deep concern as all this goodwill has been squandered by a virtually unbroken series of mistakes and miscalculations. Unilateral acts and demands have isolated the United States from the very nations we need to join us in combating terrorism."
-- President Jimmy Carter

"John Kerry is a serious man for a serious job in a serious time in our country's history... I am very optimistic about this election because I think I know a great leader when I see one."
-- Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton

"Their opponents will tell you we should be afraid of John Kerry and John Edwards because they won't stand up to terrorists. Don't you believe it...Strength and wisdom are not opposing values. They go hand in hand — and John Kerry has both"
-- President Bill Clinton

"Tonight I speak as a citizen, eager to join you here in Boston as a foot soldier in the fight for our future, as we nominate a true New England patriot for president. The state that gave us John Adams and John Kennedy has now given us John Kerry, a good man, a great Senator, a visionary leader... "
-- President Bill Clinton

"Democrats and Republicans have very different ideas on what choices we should make, rooted in fundamentally different views of how we should meet our common challenges at home and how we should play our role in the world... Democrats want to build an America of shared responsibilities and shared opportunities. Republicans believe in an America run by the right people, their people."
-- President Bill Clinton