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Key points of Kerry's speech


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Sen. John Kerry outlines the points defining his campaign as he speaks at the FleetCenter.
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BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) -- In his acceptance speech Thursday night to the Democratic National Convention, Sen. John Kerry talked about what he would do if elected president. Here are the highlights.

Presidential goals

  • "Make America stronger and respected in the world."
  • "Restore trust and credibility to the White House."
  • War in Iraq

  • Bring in more allies to share burden.
  • Foreign policy

  • "Never hesitate to use force when it is required."
  • Meet any attack "with a swift and certain response."
  • "Never give any nation or international institution a veto over our national security."
  • Lead global effort against nuclear proliferation.
  • Military policy

  • Add 40,000 active duty troops.
  • Double special forces to conduct anti-terrorist operations.
  • End "backdoor draft of National Guard and reservists."
  • Go to war only "because we have to."
  • Never fight "a war without a plan to win the peace."
  • National security

  • Immediately implement 9/11 commission recommendations.
  • Inspect container ships coming into ports.
  • Better protect nuclear and chemical plants.
  • Economic plan

  • New incentives to "revitalize manufacturing."
  • Invest in technology and innovation to create "good-paying jobs."
  • Close tax loopholes that "reward companies for shipping our jobs overseas."
  • Reward companies that "create and keep good-paying jobs" at home.
  • "Fair playing field" for American workers to compete in global economy.
  • Tax policies

  • "I will not privatize Social Security. I will not cut benefits."
  • Cut the deficit in half in four years by ending "tax giveaways that are nothing more than corporate welfare."
  • Cut taxes for middle class.
  • Reduce tax burden on small businesses.
  • Roll back tax cuts for individuals making more than $200,000 a year.
  • Make government "pay as you go."
  • Education

  • Demand accountability from parents, teachers and schools.
  • Reduce class size.
  • Create tax credit to families for every year of college.
  • Health care

  • Health care "a right for all Americans."
  • Make system more efficient to save families up to $1,000 a year on premiums.
  • Ensure that system allows patients to pick their own doctors.
  • Allow patients and doctors to make decisions, not insurance companies.
  • Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors.
  • Allow Americans to buy less expensive drugs from countries like Canada.
  • Energy policy

  • Invest in new technologies and alternative fuels.
  • Invest in cars of the future.
  • Campaign goals

  • Take the high road.
  • "Be optimists, not just opponents."
  • "Build unity in the American family, not angry division."
  • "Make this election a contest of big ideas, not small-minded attacks."

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